Ash Wednesday

As many of you know, I go to church regularly and would class myself a practising Christian. I am not however one to push my faith down others throats, I don’t rant on and on about it, neither do I berate people for not going to church or not believing what I do. I am not a Dot Cotton, I don’t go round quoting the bible or looking down on others for what they do or do not believe.

I just wanted to share how special I found the Ash Wednesday Service last night. For those of you who don’t know, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Many people fast for the day or like me do not have any meat. In a special service, the palms from last years Palm Sunday are burned and then the Vicar makes a cross on your forehead with the ashes and says ‘You are but dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’. It is a service of self examination and repentance.

For some reason the service really moved me, K came with me and it was lovely to be next to her during a service, she is in the choir so we don’t usually sit together on Sundays . She was awestruck and it was lovely for her to be at my side when she had the ashes put on her head and later when she received a blessing during Communion.

Anyway, I just wanted to mark how moved I was. I have decided to give up crisps for Lent, this is a big thing for me as I love them, and even thought I am watching my weight I still find a way to eat a packet a day. K has given up chocolate, I give her 3 days til she buckles, even so, I am so proud of her for trying.

For those of you who share my beliefs and those who don't, I hope Lent is a blessed and thoughtful time for you.

This post was written by Tawny, who has a nine-year-old daughter and lives in Aylesbury. She is a mother, girlfriend, sister, guide leader, and friend all rolled in to one. You can read her tales at I promise that I will do my best.

Photo credit: drh

Comments

[Rosie Scribble]

I thought Ash Wednesday was last week. My daughter had a service at her Catholic school. I should have been there but these days just go to the main sevices like Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. I was brought up Catholic and used to practise regularly. I wish I still had the same strong beliefs but think I have grown cynical with age, but I haven't lost my faith completely. It was uplifting to read your post.

[Lindsey]

This was an uplifting post. Thanks for sharing!