Pancakes and Ashes and Reflections

The season of Lent has officially started. It is a 40-day solemn season, recognized by many church denominations, to bring attention to the time Jesus spent in the desert and avoided temptation. It is a time for prayer and fasting and spiritual reflection, leading up to the celebration of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

But first...it kicks off with Fat Tuesday ("Mardi Gras") as one final feast before the fasting begins. Our church uses this day as an opportunity for the youth to host a Pancake Supper, as a fundraiser for their upcoming summer mission trip. Naomi and Danielle are registered for the trip, and so they served up lots of pancakes earlier this week to earn their keep!

After the feasting, comes a reflective service on Ash Wednesday. Our church hosts a simple service and ashes are marked on everyone's forehead -- it is a symbol that we are made from dust, and to dust we will return. A little morbid, but it is a truth we must accept and embrace. On a lighter note, Naomi and I performed with the handbell choir as part of the service...making a joyful, yet mellow, noise on chimes! 

Now continues 6 weeks of extra prayers and meditation and contemplation. A moment to check ourselves for pride and greed and complacency.  A chance to give something up or to add something better. A time to focus on what really matters in life.