Ash Wednesday

"Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God."

Today typically is the day several people will stop me on campus and ask if I just came from an art class. Why? Because I have a smudge on my forehead.

I take Ash Wednesday with a grain of salt. I love the concept of Lent. A preparation. A detox. A time to reconnect after falling off the wagon as it were. But I'm typically a private person of faith. Many know I'm Catholic, but I don't broadcast it. I walk the fine line of hiding my light under the bushel basket.

I don't like the outward sign of Ash Wednesday. I do not like the broadcasting...the appearance that I'm calling attention for attention's sake. But it's humbling. A reminder. To myself and others.

And I will not be giving up anything for lent. Chocolate, caffeine, what have you. Such abstinence I've found to be solely superficial. And I find it defeats the purpose to give up something and then piss and moan to others when you can't participate in certain things because of your observance...calling attention. Hardly a preparation of heart.

This year will be a year of meditation. A prayer, devotion, probably the rosary in the morning. Prayer before meals. And an honest attempt to thank those with menial but or so important tasks...the bus driver, the custodian, etc.