Ash Wednesday

It is the beginning of a Lenten Journey again. Will, Mother and I went to First Presbyterian church Pasadena for worship. It was good. I sat there during worship thinking many things. I miss being a pastor tonight. I reflect upon all the children whose forehead I smeared with ashes during Ash Wednesday services in the past. I remember Ben Williams in particular who many years ago tonight asked his mother at home, " Mom, why did Hmingi say noshes to noshes?" I remember and thank God for all those very tall men and women who had to bend down to get 'ashed' by the very short me. I remember running off to the Baptist Hospital East to make a mark of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of the hospitalized church members and their willing room mates. I especially remember Barbara Phillips who was so sad that she missed the church service and being marked with the ashes on her. It was humbling to see her gratitude for the short liturgy and the cross marked with ashes. Reflection begins as it is Ash Wednesday. I have also been reading the story of Ruth from the Bible, how appropriate it is that I should be reading Ruth as Lent begins. The story of Ruth and her faithfulness was what kept me going when things got rough in the long past. So, I am ready to read the scriptures, reflect upon them, upon my life in the light of it, pray and contemplate. I hope all will benefit richly in spiritual life during this lent.