I received my ashes...

I received my ashes on Ash Wednesday.

The ashes marked me as one of Christ's own.

I carry that mark on my forehead,

but I let it lodge deep in my soul.

As these ashes are infused with the joy and the sorrow

that abide within the soul of my life,

I let the holiness of those ashes

smolder with all that resides within,

giving birth to something unadulterated,

something so full of Sacred grace,

that it can be offered as a fragrant offering

to the Lord of Heaven.

I am not marked for this Wednesday only.

I am not only marked for this Lenten season,

but it seems to be a marking

that I will carry

forever.

✙

also...

Lili Ruth got her ashes--

wish I had a picture.

This is her sorting rocks at Zamma's: