Lent Day 1, Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026

“Get or Be Ashed!”

What a thrilling way to begin the 2026 Lenten Season. Get or be ashed.

That was my attempt at sarcasm. But honestly, Lent is not so bad. Somewhere along the way, we gave it a gloomy reputation, and that is unfortunate. These forty-plus days leading to Easter can be deeply meaningful if we allow them to be.

First, Lent is not really about us. It is about God. It is about remembering that God gave what was most precious, Himself, so that we might share in life, redemption, and the heavenly chorus of grace. Lent gently reorients our focus.

Second, Lent gives us the opportunity to offer something back to God. Sometimes that means giving up a habit that is not serving us well. Sometimes it means adding a habit that strengthens our faith, such as daily prayer, intentional kindness, or time in Scripture. Often, the personal benefits experienced are simply a byproduct of spiritual intention. Whether anyone else notices or not, that doesn’t matter.  God does.

Third, Lent has a clear time frame. It is not an endless resolution that fades by February. It is a focused season with a beginning and an end. Six weeks of intentional living feels different than staring at a mirror or scale for an entire year. The goal is not self-improvement alone. The goal is spiritual attention.

Fourth, Lent can be quiet. You do not have to announce your sacrifice. You do not need applause. Jesus spoke often about doing meaningful things without broadcasting them. God sees what is done in secret.

And yet, Lent is also widely respected. Even those who do not observe it tend to understand that it represents something serious and sincere. If your practice becomes known, you may find more encouragement than criticism. People are often inspired by quiet conviction.

So what will you do? Will you participate?

This year, each daily devotion will include a twenty-four-hour challenge. This is not a six-week burden, but simply one day at a time. This approach makes faithfulness realistic. If a challenge asks you to set aside something for one day, you know exactly how long you are committing. Tomorrow is another decision.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is simple: get or be ashed.

Many churches in your area will be offering the imposition of ashes. At the Chapel, ashes will be available from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at both the Chapel and the Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Store.  I’ll also be available to offer ashes at the Chapel following this evening’s Bible Study, 6:30-7:00 pm.

If you can’t make it to a church or chapel, do it yourself.  Draw a small cross somewhere on your body as a reminder that you belong to God. Take a quiet moment to pray. Remember that from dust we came and to dust we return, and in between, we are loved.

Get or Be Ashed Today!  Let the journey begin!

“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.  For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.”  (Psalm 103:13-14, NRSVce)