After 44 years of life, I attended my first Ash Wednesday service tonight. I have to tell you it was a true blessing to me. I cannot stop thinking about how I felt, and how humbled I was to know that Jesus actually gave His life for me.
The main reason I went was to finally find out what this Ash Wednesday and 40 days of Lent were all about. I had always thought it was only for Catholics, but to my surprise, I found out differently. I thought about something while in service. If Jesus gave His all for all of us (including Christians), then why would only a particular group honor Him in this way? This past Sunday I actually went online so I could read the history of Ash Wednesday. I encourage everyone to do this.
One of the main things that my Pastor said tonight that will always stick with me is this: "It is unreasonable for us (Christians)to look forward to Easter Sunday without ever giving thought to the period that leads up to it." (I actually paraphrased his words...I will have to get my notepad out of the car tomorrow night so that I can quote him correctly...I do not want to misquote him.) But what I took that to mean was we (Christians) focus so much on Easter Sunday (and packing our churches full of people so we can put our talents on display) that we forget how we actually got to Easter. He (my pastor) said that "Jesus did not just "get up" on Easter Sunday, but He went through a lot of suffering to get there." (again paraphrased)
Therefore, here is what this 40 day period of Lent will mean to me this year. It is a time of sacrifice. Sacrificing not only some food items, but also some worldly pleasures. Giving up some of the things that are not even worthy of holding on to anyway. I could never come close to the sacrifice that Jesus made for me.
During this Lent season, I do not have time to check others, because I am going to focus on "checking myself!" I must watch what I am doing, saying, going, behaving, treating others, etc., etc.
Tonight for me begins 40 days of consecrating my mind, body, and soul unto the Lord in a way that I have never done before.
"What shall I render, unto God, for all His blessings? Tell me what, shall I render, unto God, what shall I give?"
Lovingly, Lemon
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