Return to Me

Today is Ash Wednesday and one of the traditional phrases we clergy utter is "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." The phrase can be interpreted in many ways, but I tend to think of it as a reminder that we are mortal, we make mistakes and we need to make amends to those we've hurt, including making amends to God.

This morning, I woke up and I wasn't feeling it. But the scripture from Joel 2:12a was speaking to me: "Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart." So I found myself saying to each person I marked with ash, "Remember God loves you and is always here for you."

In my own practice this Lent, I am going to reflect on returning to God -Especially to some of the things that bring me closer to God like painting, music and journaling. Have a blessed Lent.