A Special Ash Wednesday

There are a million things I'm dying to put into words about how we are adjusting to life with our beautiful baby boy- BUT, I just have to share my thoughts from today.

Today is Ash Wednesday. Let me go back for a moment. Yesterday was "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday". Churches everywhere were having Pancake suppers because it is tradition to rid our systems of fat, eggs and dairy during the season of Lent- when we deny ourselves these and other restricted foods. Historically pancakes and similar foods were eaten on this day to use up stores of the ingredients that would not be used during the 40 days of the Lenten season. For our Fat Tuesday meal we went to Jardin's. We hadn't been there in forever since mexican food did not sound appetizing for the majority of my pregnancy. And it still doesn't since I'm breastfeeding and avoiding heavy, spicy foods. I had a salad-blah.

So today is Ash Wednesday and is so named for the tradition of placing a sign of the cross in ashes on your forehead as a sign of your repentance to God. Since Emma is learning about the meaning of Lent, I decided that I wanted to attend today's chapel service with her at her school. David is in training so Cody and I headed to Redeemer.

Chapel time is a beautiful thing at Emma's school. I have fond memories of sitting in the Narthex of my church/daycare singing songs and learning about God's love- I hope Emma will have the same! They began by singing three songs. Then the daycare director began a demonstration about household items that are used for cleaning. When asked what we could use to clean our hearts, the children responded "JESUS!" without missing a beat. It really touched me to see things through a child's eyes. Perhaps this is why some people love to teach. It was really beautiful, so simple. When our hearts get dirty, down and sad we just have to lean on Jesus. They sang a song about Jesus dying on the cross, but that he rose into heaven and is coming again. The children were so excited about the verse that he's coming again! It's just that simple.

My faith means so much more to me now. Just like I understand love, and am that much more thankful for it now, I understand my faith and realize how far it has brought me. Through my ups and downs, confusion and fear, happy times and times of uncertainty my faith has always been there. God has always been there for me. If I can give anything to my children, teach them anything, I would want to share with them the gift of faith.

I've been feeling more and more like I want us to find a "home" church again. When David and I moved in together we spent a few months looking at churches in our area. It's hard for me because the church I grew up at (attended for daycare, was baptized, confirmed and even married at) is so wonderful. I have attended a good number of different church services but have yet to hear a sermon that reaches you on so many levels as the ones I've grown accustomed to at Gethsemane Lutheran, especially from Pastor Gronberg. I just felt like I wanted to see what else was out there. We visited churches with very active couples' groups, with lots of young famlies and lots going on- but nothing has 'fit' yet. Perhaps our families' search will lead us back to my roots.

For now, Redeemer has been a wonderful blessing for Emma and our family and I am so thankful to share my gift of faith with my family. Many people may not know this but David was never baptized. He grew up attending a Southern Baptist Church but also became involved in a non-denominational church as a youth. He recently told me that he'd like to be baptized at the same time as Cody- how special! I'm so excited and thrilled that he feels led to do this!

During this season of reflection, I am overwhelmed with our many blessings. Our health, our love for one another, the roof over our heads, food to eat and clothes to wear. I'm thankful for my God and his ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sins!