I have two thoughts on my mind this morning. I have toyed with writing about one and holding off on the other until clarity (and a calm spirit) comes. But I decided to divide this post into two parts and do them both. 🙂
My first is about the significance of today. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I grew up in a tradition that did not observe Lent. I can remember being in a high school class and noticing the teacher had a black smudge on his forehead. I almost went up and told him, but didn’t. Now I know it was the fact he went to a Catholic church that morning before school and the priest had “blessed” him. I didn’t know that until years later. Truthfully, I never really heard of it nor knew what it was all about until sometime within the last 19 years or so. I decided to study its history and significance to satisfy my own curiosity. I found out it began on Ash Wednesday and was observed during the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. For some it was a time of fasting and praying, of giving up something for the purpose of discipline. And as is typical, for others it was simply a religious observance you did “just because.” There were several years I quietly observed giving something up for that period of time-caffeine (no Diet Dr Pepper), chips, chocolate, even ice cream one year. For me, it was a discipline to be able to gain control over something that I needed to give up. Honestly, it snuck up on me this year. In spite of what were probably plenty of signs, I missed it until just two days ago. I haven’t decided what to do, if anything, this year. Guess I’ll contemplate that and then decide.
My second thought is on respect. Growing up my parents taught me the importance of valuing others. I learned to say, “Yes ma’m” and “No sir” and other terms used to show respect. I was taught how to open doors for women and to help older folks. I was taught to value other people and their opinions. I haven’t always done it right. I now realize that word I used about another race-despite the fact I grew up near Pittsburgh and had friends of that race and played on the same team as them-was wrong. I refuse to use that word today, even though I hear them use it about themselves all the time. I was always taught to respect my elders and to not speak over others, to give them their due. I did not watch the address President Trump gave last night. I get up at 3:30 and 9;00 is my bed time. Besides, I figure I can always read about it today and will hear plenty about it as well. While I was not a fan of the previous administration, especially due to their war against faith-based organizations and people (among other things), I had to remind myself I was to respect the office and the rulers. As a pastor, I refuse to invite politics into the pulpit. While I might preach on abortion or life (I consider that a moral issue not a political one), I still tried to handle it respectfully, realizing “more flies are caught by honey than vinegar” as they say. The antics and vitriol of some toward the previous administration were uncalled for, as were the antics and vitriol spewed last night and will be today and in the days to come toward the current administration. Will all things be done right? Of course not! Since when are humans infallible? But it’s time to calm the (vulgar) language (by the way: thanks for teaching our kids words they should not know or say). It’s also time for civil discourse, to listen to what the other is saying or trying to say. As my daughter, Tami, says to her kindergarten class: “it is time to put on your listening ears.” I might add that it is also time to clothespin the mouth.
I know what I have said might ruffle some feathers. Personally, Idc, and besides that, I’m tired of the hate and garbage that passes for speech. I once read that “Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind trying to express itself forcibly.” I’m tired of adults acting like spoiled-brat children. Try adulting for a change. That goes for all of us, not just the politicians.
Off soap box. Sorry this post has gone on so long. Thanks for listening.
Respect—we see so little of it today on sooo many levels. I too am tired of the unending political mud slinging. Reminds me of little kids on the playground yelling at each other and pushing each other around.
As for Ash Wednesday—it was a tradition in our Methodist churches but isn’t mentioned in our Southern Baptist church. I just like the idea of making more room for Jesus by eliminating something that I have grown too attached to.
Thanks for the Ash Wednesday comment Pam. I like the idea of eliminating something I have grown attached to. Just make sure you leave Dick out of it! 🙂 🙂
Haha! No worries there! He helps me stay grounded in Jesus!
He’s a keeper!
In regards to Ash Wednesday, anything that has the potential to deepen our relationship with Christ, I am on board with. Do I think it is essential, no. Do I think observing or not observing makes one a “better Christian” no… It can be easy to observe such things out of the feeling of obligation, which I believe does very little for our faith and walk with Christ. I won’t be specifically fasting, but have chosen to do do a Bible.com study to keep me more connected. Not out of obligation, but because I want that deeper intimacy.
I watched the address and subsequent rebuttal last night. I thought it was on par with what I expected. No real surprises. It is a shame that respect is a bygone behavior. That adults can’t simply agree to disagree, but still work toward a common goal where agreement can be found and where it can’t, you vote and move on. You don’t throw a hissy fit about it.
Your comments on Ash Wednesday are spot on Ryan. That is what I was trying to say but didn’t do it so eloquently. As for the address: I couldn’t agree with you more about the lack of respecct.
I do wish, Bill, especially in the people we elect to office, that adulting would be a priority, but it’s not. We did watch last night and I saw some highlights this morning on Fox & Friends. Seeing what should unite us all ignored by certain people only served to make them appear small and mean-spirited. May God heal our divisions in this great nation and soon. Blessings!
Sadly, you are right Martha. Adulting should be a priority but isn’t neither is grace.
Since I was Catholic for 40 years I have observed lent and practiced either giving something up or doing something for the 40 days, and I have also went to church to get my ashes and my blessings from the priest. These days I focused more on a 40 day journey reading and reflecting more on Jesus’s life here on earth, and His saving grace and love of going to the Cross. Jesus gave us the ultimate gift of grace and love and I want to make sure that I embrace that with all of the awe, and celebration of praise that I can.
As far as the political scene, I have been praying for unity and to be one nation under God. For followers of Christ, to be true followers, put Christ first, seek God with all your heart and ask for wisdom and knowledge to be a good leader. To many people only want to identify with being a christian, but do not want to walk with God in control. We should not be slanderers, liers, deceitful of anyone. Truly be an imitator of Our Lord and Savior, make sure your actions, speech, and heart align with God.
It is interesting that you are still observing Lent but in a different way. I commend you, Gail, for that. Getting closer to Jesus is so important. As for the political scene: praying for unity is essential and having our hearts aligned with Him is what is important.