David J. Smith :: Blog :: Ashes

Today is the start of something new.  It seems strange to begin with ash because it is a remnant of what once was.  In our case a leafy green palm branch.  Ashes are also elemental.  They are what's left after the refiners fire.  They are light, able to be carried in the slightest of wind.  They are black and able to mark anything almost indelibly.  They are symbol when placed on our forehead and these ashes are a reminder of who and whose we are.  So today I will bear the outward sign of my sinfulness and also my redemption in order to begin the journey of my Savior, Jesus - the only renewer of life from the jaws of most certain death.  May this mark of the forehead cross remaind us all of God's grace in the person of Jesus.  Thanks be to God!