Ash Wednesday

So today was Ash Wednesday. Believe it or not, I had never been to an Ash Wednesday service before tonight.
I intended to go this morning, but sleep won out.

 I really enjoyed the service tonight, if that's OK. I guess I haven't ever seen the stained glass windows back lit from outside; they are beautiful. Some of the songs I had never heard, but I sang them anyways. I liked the smaller crowd and dimmer lights and candlelight. When it came to the part of the service  for the imposition of ashes, I liked that Pastor Phil explained them: where they came from, what they symbolized. I was one of the first pews so I heard many repetitions of out of ashes you come and into ashes you return. Somehow it was almost comforting to hear. It certainly leveled the field. Everyone will die some day and return to the dust from whence we came. i noticed that each person had a large, distinct cross on their foreheads, unlike the smudges I had seen on most people in classes.

After the service, I had to go pick up some fruit at the grocery store. I kind of got some weird looks. It made me think about how most of the time, our faith is invisible, but for one day a year, we very clearly show to the world our faith. I thought that was interesting, but kind of backwards; we should always be showing our faith to those around us. I don't think we should all get tattoos of crosses on our foreheads, but maybe that we should be more concentrated in living out what we believe and showing it to others.

One other thing I noticed on the way to the store and all evening was the smell. The ashes had myrrh and frankincense mixed in them. Occasionally, I would get a whiff of a sweet and heavy yet comforting smell. I really liked it. I enjoy when worship incorporates as many of the senses as possible so I was glad to use smell which isn't something I usually experience in worship.


Now it's time for bed, and I begrudgingly have to wipe the ashes off my forehead. It was only for a few hours, but I think I got some important insight and motivation to make it to the service on campus next year.

In case you were wondering, I am not giving up sweets or anything like that for Lent. That doesn't seem like true sacrifice or effort to me. Instead, I am going to make a better effort to read my Bible and tithe. I am a broke college student, so instead of giving 10% of my money, I am going to tithe my time. Everyday I plan to spend 2 and a half hours devoted on God and my relationship and growing in faith.