Lent Day 1, Ash Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021

“The Best Me”

Yes! Today is that much-anticipated first day of Lent! Woohoo!

No, not really. Today isn’t very exciting. A few of us had been planning to attend Ash Wednesday services this year, but between the Coronavirus, the worsening polar vortex that has gripped the country, and lots of other, better things to do, attending an Ash Wednesday service (and the receiving of ashes) isn’t likely today. Still, this day doesn’t need to be a complete bust. Rather, let’s become creative and take advantage of the party-pooper feelings that are prevalent everywhere, even down here in the tropics.

For example, let’s take a few moments to think about our normal New Years’ parties, gatherings, and celebrations. What does New Year’s feel like? What emotions do we experience? What traditions do we enjoy? One of our most popular traditions is to make a New Years’ resolution. We ambitiously promise to “do something” for the entire year, but most of us are lucky to make it to the middle of February with our promises still intact. A full year of commitment and abstinence can be a very difficult goal to accomplish, indeed.

From this perspective, Lent is much more appealing. During Lent, the 40-days of preparation for Easter, we make a commitment to God by making small sacrifices to honor the very large sacrifices God made (and continues to make) on our behalf. We might decide to add a spiritual discipline, such as daily prayer or reading the Bible, to our daily schedule. This is a sacrifice of “time”. Or, one might decide to refrain from certain foods or drinks, add exercise to their calendar, or make a pledge to keep in touch with friends and family during Lent.

Ash Wednesday doesn’t need to be just another “Blah” day on our Calendar. It gives us an opportunity to start again and make a commitment to God that improves our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. After all, God created us and God wants us to become the best “Me” we can become.

What do you think? Are you up for a challenge? Come on, you can do it! I’m about to write 46 daily devotions (Argggh!), so help a pastor out! Go ahead and pick something and let’s become the best “Me” that God intends!

“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans, 12:1, NRSV).