Entering Lent, I’m filled with a sense of foreboding. Metaphorically, oppressive, gray Western Michigan, skies hang like a shroud overhead. I don’t want to mark off the next 40 days! I want to fast forward to Good Friday and Easter. The longing for spring overwhelms me today. Reluctantly I set out, alone, for our Ash Wednesday service.
Feeling restless and especially vulnerable, I am relieved to meet two dear friends with whom I can sit and share the experience.
How can an experience be both shared and singular? Yet, such was the case today.

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we have everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

A shared experience with these dear ones who are this fellowship that is Mars Hill Bible Church; this is also a collective, intentional communion with fellow Christ followers around the globe and throughout the history of the church.

In community, I am buoyed up with a sense of mutual love, joy, and hope.
Being intentional in my solitary attendance helped me shore up some endurance, courage, strength and grace for the journey of the next forty days.