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.