The Ashes

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, and ashes mark my forehead. But, it is so much more. This time of moving towards Calvary's hill, this time of reflection and repentance, this time is crucial.

In year's past, I would pick something to give up during Lent such as coffee or chocolate. But did the fact that I went without a latte really bring me any closer to Jesus? Umm, no. Some of my friends shared that they weren't giving anything up this year, but they were adding instead. As I pondered this, I couldn't help but see how this could truly be meaningful. We add more prayer, more time in the Word, more service, more love, more Jesus. And when we have more of Jesus, we become the less. But, He desires all of us; He wants our hearts.

So, what should our responses be? Scripture says that we are to rend our hearts, not our garments. As a sign of grief, people would rend, or rip and tear their clothes. So, here is where we pretend. We say the rote prayers, we go through the motions, we give up superficial things that ultimately cost us absolutely nothing, but what of the state of our hearts? Rend: to rip and tear into pieces by force.

And what does this look like? This more of Him and the less. And being undone. And the rending of hearts that are contrite. And all this has become my Lenten prayer. I want to have a contrite, obedient heart.

As I left church tonight, there was a sweet fragrance hanging in the air. I smiled as it resonated in my spirit: I want my life to be a fragrant offering to the One who made the ultimate sacrifice.

And as I close, I wanted to share a link to the DeHoog family's blog {click here}. God has led them to pursue the adoption of Samuel, a four year-old boy from Russia with spina bifida. Kind friends, please take the time to look at their blog and say a prayer for them?

Blessings. xo.