snowy ashes

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, arrives with snow—a whole two inches of it!  That doesn’t sound like much, but where I am now, that’s either a cause for celebration or lamentation.

Aidan and I went for a cheerfully snowy walk this morning.  (I know he was cheerful, because he was smiling in that way dogs seem to smile.)  He enjoyed a little taste of what he had in New York.

But it is indeed the start of Lent.  Maybe I think this every year, but this Lenten season is being celebrated in a new place, a new chapter in my life (I’m fifty years old!), and a new aspect of ministry (which Banu and I have yet to grasp).  These words from Henri Nouwen especially speak to me:

“I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me.  The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life.  I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions.  There are not times or places without choices.  And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.”

I’m very good at resisting God’s impulses in me.  Snowy ashes urge me to go with God.  Vaya con dios.

presbyanglican, episcoperian

Imagine two Presbyterian ministers who typically worship at Episcopal churches when on vacation—or now, who have moved to another state.  That’s the church we have been currently attending.  My wife and I are discerning (that’s a churchly word for “considering”!) ways in which to be more open to our Episcopalian sisters and brothers.  If the way be clear (as Presbyterians would say), perhaps even pursuing ordination.

As we move to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, we are given this reminder:  “Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.”

Tennesseeing green

It was just a matter of time until I discovered some local “greens.”  I’m not sure yet how active the Green Party here is, but Banu and I discovered a nearby recycling center which takes a very wide variety of products, including e-waste.

Moving from a so-called “blue” state (New York) to a “red” state, green still is a badly-needed color on the political palette. 

(The image is Shades of Green by Lori Brace.)