Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. In the Christian calendar the period is
marked by a time of repentance, fasting, and centering on God as we prepare for
Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The ashes come from the palms used on Palm Sunday the year
before, and are mixed with oil or water and drawn in a cross on people’s
foreheads.
The ashes are used to represent our mortality.
Genesis 3:19 – “By the sweat of your face you shall eat
bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are
dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These ashes represent every measure by which we fall short
of God. They represent our sins,
and more importantly they represent our need for repentance and forgiveness. Lent is marked by fasting, so that we
remember our failures, while ever holding on to and preparing for the hope that
arises with Christ’s resurrection on Easter.
Through Lent we are preparing. God prepares us to wipe away all that is broken, all that is
marred, all that is hopeless, so that on Easter morning we are fresh with the
promise of life, forgiveness, mercy, and grace through Jesus.
Traditionally, Christians fast during this 40-day span. This may take the form of “giving
something up,” a certain indulgence or bad habit perhaps; like chocolate, or
Facebook. Other times you will
hear people “taking something on,” such as a practice to reconnect with God and
make time for spiritual renewal; like daily devotionals, or 10 minutes of
resting silence each day. All this
is done in the spirit of refocusing relationship with God.
This year for Lent I will be jumping on the UMC bandwagon of
#picturelent #rethinkchurch #ashtag (ok, enough of that). Each day I will post a picture and
short reflection according to a schedule someone somewhere created.
I am excited about this project because it will be
challenging. As most of you know,
I am incredibly literal. I will
try here to look for and recognize meaning in places I wouldn’t have taken the
time for previously. I will try to
refrain from posting the obvious (eyes for “see,” my back yard for
“wilderness”) and instead think more holistically about the meaning of the word
and it’s impact in my life.
Day 1: Announce
It occurred to me today (after much deliberation on what
picture I could post that represented the word “announce” – picture of a
trumpet dis-included on the grounds of being too literal) that I have not
formally announced to the social media world my intentions to enter into ministry. I am somewhat ashamed of my lack of
openness, why have I been hiding such an exciting decision? I suppose my approach, one of careful
consideration and deliberation, was very personal. I dipped my toes in the proposition ever so slightly, testing
the waters over the past four years, and always hesitating to take the final
plunge.
Well. The
waiting is over. It is time to get
over my selfishness, and give glory to God for this wonderful new step in my
life.
I will be attending Divinity School/Seminary in the
fall. Where, I am not yet
certain. I have formally begun the
candidacy process in the United Methodist Church, and hope to serve in
youth/children/camp ministry or chaplaincy, or wherever else God may lead. Through the specific type of ministry
in my future is still unknown, I see this call as an extension of baptism; a
venture to work full time as a laborer in God’s plentiful harvest.
I chose this picture because it is from the day that I
visited my first theological graduate school. Carly had planned a trip, and she graciously let me sit in on
her plans and tour the school with her.
Little did I know that I might be attending one day! I am so very grateful for the people in
my life who affirmed and guided me towards this calling. I love you all!
Peace,
Emily
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