Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, lasting forty days. Ash Wednesday has special significance this year for Bonny Doon following the recent wildfires in our community.
and provide for those who grieve ...
a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning,and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
- Isaiah 61:3
Ashes are a symbol of turning away from regrets from mistakes, a time to ask for forgiveness and let go of regrets. It is an opportunity to embrace our human frailty as we turn away from habits and behaviors that aren't working and realign our life with God's perfect will.
During this time, you may consider walking through and circling the area around our church, tuning into what you see and experience. Notice the feeling of the soles of your feet as you walk, step by step. Experience your breath filling your lungs and the beating of your heart. Observe the impact of the fire, the early signs of Spring approaching, the dampness of the soil, the color of the sky, the stirring of the breeze, and the feeling of the sun. Listen for insights, write your thoughts in the form of a prayer, ask Jesus for help where you need help, consider placing your prayer in our prayer box by the Kirk house (the building adjacent to the church).
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