From dust you have come...

Preparation for Ash Wednesday? Completed.

Men's Bible Study? Decently good.

4 services with new dramas and Holden Prayer? Made for a ridiculously long day, but very exciting.

Day completed? Thanks be to God.

Coming to grips that we have six more weeks of these Wednesdays? Not yet.

My favorite parts of today?

• Hearing laughter during the services
• Adding new elements of worship to Our Saviors
  
• Assisting with Holy Communion
• Youth asking awesome questions on what is Lent and what Ash Wednesday is
  

But most of all..

• The imposition of ashes. I usually don't like it, but I've realized when I get to be messy with ashes and smear things on peoples' faces, I kind of enjoy it. What words to be speaking to people: "From dust you have come, and to dust you shall return."
  

(Plus, it was amazing to see the different reactions of people, ages 2-90+. Some excited, others apprehensive and even a little scared.)

Some of my favorite verbal reactions?

• "Thank you."
  
• "Amen."
  
• "Yes."
• "Alleluia." (gasp...we aren't supposed to say that in Lent!)
  
• "Nice service."
  
• "Thanks be to God."
• "What is that?"
• "Isn't this Catholic?
  
• "Can I put one on your forehead?"
  

And, last, but not least:

• "Hannah, put football marks on me, too!"

God works in mysterious ways.

Now it's time for some more oatmeal and a good night's rest. Tomorrow I visit my favorite people in California. If only bward was there, we could have a spontaneous reunion.

Peace to you all--
HGJ