To Dust We Shall Return

Today is Ash Wednesday and since I work in an atmosphere of religious tolerance, my employer offers 2 short Lenten services on Ash Wednesday, for anyone who chooses to attend.

Boy, if I had a dime for every time I've been asked "whats on your head?????" today, or "aren't you going to wash that off?" I would be a rich woman.

Christians debate whether or not it is appropriate to wash off the ashes after the blessing. For me, I lean to the side of wearing them all day. I get some weird looks, but that cross of ashes feels like a kiss from God, and my heart hums all day to feel it there.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning a lent, a 6.5 week period before Easter in which Christians pray, sometimes fast, sometimes give up things in symbolic acknowledgement of the sacrifice of Christ, and contemplate what it means to be a person of faith.

The ashes are from palm fronds burned the previous year. Those palm fronds represent the palms that were placed in the path of Jesus and the disciples as they entered the city prior to the crucifixion.

As the minister smudges a cross of ashes of your forehead, he or she usually says:

"From dust you were made, and to dust you shall return"

A co-worker, upon hearing that last year promptly said "well....How depressing."

But you know what? I don't find it depressing at all. To me, its about humility. About the realization (and reminder to ourselves) that there is so much more to life than buying perfectly stylish shoes, or driving the "right" car ...............Or taking splashy vacations, or whatever.

Its about recognizing that in the game of life, we are on an even playing field, whether we like to acknowledge it or not. The fortune 500 executive, and the homeless man on the corner, and your kids kindergarten teacher.......And you.......And me. We did all get here the same way and we will all meet the same end. Its about being part of the human experience, recognizing our own mortality, and taking some time out of crazy busy lives, to consider our own humanity.

For me, its a humbling and beautiful day.