From every corner of Africa, to points all throughout the United States and the rest of the world, Christians are celebrating Ash Wednesday. This holy day for Christians marks the start of Lent, and culminates with Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
Some approach this day with great reverence for what it signifies: the start of an intense period during which God's plan for our salvation is most evident. Lent may present an opportunity for them to walk in spiritual consciousness, in appreciation for the unmatched sacrifice by the ultimate parent, our Almighty God.
Others who are not so spiritually connected, especially in the US, may look at this day as the day after Fat Tuesday, the end of Mardi Gras and a period that leads to Easter. Easter's significance, in this case, may have a different resonance than the observance of Christ's resurrection. Easter may be a day when all of the stores are closed; majority of America doesn't have to work and everyone gets dolled up in their finest to join their family at Big Momma's for dinner.
For others yet, Ash Wednesday may start a period when they give something up; something that is considered a vice, a luxury. Giving something up may be an outward demonstration of their sincerity in observing this holy period, to show appreciation for the 40 day period Jesus spent in prayer, fasting and reflection in the wilderness, in the midst of grueling temptations.
For me, Lent is a very special period that always reminds me of the importance of God's grace. It reminds me of home, the place where I was introduced to the full realm of what the Bible means. Home is the place where I was taught about the different seasons in the Bible: Pentecost, Advent, Septuagesima, Lent, etc. It is the place where the foundation was laid for my belief in God. Lent is the period which Dad said one should not indulge in anything remotely related to partying.
Lent represents a period of deep reflection. A period of penance. A time to abstain from material things that may interfere with one's spiritual growth.
Lent is the period during which my birthday falls every year and so it always seems natural for me to approach it as an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings of my life's journey. Celebrating my New Year, my birthday, is more important to me now than it's ever been before.
Life has taught me that waking up in the morning is not a given. I have learned that the little-big things I take for granted are indeed unique blessings that others crave. The joys I celebrate and the challenges that strengthen me are not entitlements to which I am obligated. With this in mind, I cannot think of a better time than this Ash Wednesday, to walk with intention in the spirit of gratitude for the next 40 days.
Everyday comes with its own dose of challenges that sometimes make you cringe. As we start this season of Lent, I am reminded of a very important lesson from my Grandmother, Ellen Cordelia Cole: Things could be so much better, but they could be significantly worse so be thankful for what you have. Today, and for the remainder of these 40 days, I will celebrate those things for which I am especially thankful.
I could have the ultimate blessing in everything I do, and that would be awesome. On the other hand, but for the grace of God, I could be in a position where I have nothing. So, for the many things I am blessed with I say Thank You, Lord, for I am grateful.
And so starts a journey steeped in the humility of gratitude: Day One!
~~Vic~~
No comments:
Post a Comment