Dear friends
Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent, and it also happens to be Valentine’s Day. I don’t think it’s merely coincidental because they both remind us of significant things that connect in life. During our Ash Wednesday service this evening, we will mark each other’s foreheads with ash to remind ourselves that we are but dust (Gen 3:19 “For you are dust and to dust you shall return).
This is a time for us to ponder and reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of making every moment count. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” And I hope Valentine’s reminds you of how loved you are, and what it means to love because God first loved us…exceedingly, abundantly, extravagantly.
So Happy Valentine’s even as we ponder on Ash Wednesday together. And to all who are celebrating, a very blessed Lunar New Year to you and your loved ones!
Pauline