What does Ash Wednesday mean for me? I found myself pondering this question this morning as my dog woke me up at 1:30 AM and my mind has kept me awake since.
Ash Wednesday means that I am forgiven. It is a yearly reminder that I am a sinner saved by grace in desperate need of a Savior. It is a day which causes me to pause and embrace how broken I should be, yet, through the ashes of my shame, God has stretched his arm out to carry me home.
Ash Wednesday reminds me that I can't do this on my own. As a person with a perfectionist personality, I don't like to be reminded of this. I try and I try and I try, and sometimes I still fail. Yet, through the ashes of my failures, God has shown up in marvelous ways.
Ash Wednesday reminds me that sin will never satisfy my soul. Through prayer and discernment, God has exposed the ugliest sides of my heart. Yet, through the ashes of my sins, God has pulled me out of the darkness and into the light.
Ash Wednesday reminds me of the importance of prayer. And not just speaking to God, no, but simply sitting in still silence, listening for His voice. My mind often wanders as distractions arise. Yet, through the ashes of life's distractions, God still listens.
What does Ash Wednesday mean for me? Because of God's grace, I have a lifetime to ponder that question.
Thank you!