Kim & Justin

Ash Wednesday

Today is Valentines day and Ash Wednesday.  In the Catholic faith, ashes are are put on your forehead in the shape of a cross while you are told, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  It is the start of Lent, a season to remember our humanity, the life of Jesus, and the sacrifice he made.

I wavier in my Catholic faith, unsure if God is real, but knowing that we should all treat each other with love and respect.  Ash Wednesday is a day to remind us that what we do on Earth is important.  We are no long for this world, but we can leave our mark in the people and lives we affect.  It is a humbling sentiment that calls to me.

Although it is custom to give something up for Lent, I have never liked the tradition, and instead try to do more during the season.  I have used the reminder of dust to get started on cleaning.  My goal this Lenten season is to clean something every day that I probably only clean once or twice a year.  Today I picked up the dog toys scattered in the front yard, cleaned my desk, keyboard, and mouse (they get gross when you use them 8-12 hours a day), and cleaned all the air filters in the house (which we have 6 of because of asthma and allergies).  It wasn’t a lot, probably only 30 minutes in total, but it felt good.  I’m going to use this time to focus on making the dirty things clean again, which I hope is a good metaphor for Lent.