You are making me new.

As many of you may know today is Ash Wednesday. When I was a child I thought it was a day to celebrate Ashley's. Of course, that is not the case, much to my disappointment. I now know that today is the beginning of lent. Many people who belong to the christian or catholic religion decide to give something up today and for the next 40 days.

I hate labels. I hate rituals and I especially hate following traditions without even knowing the significance of them. So as someone who doesn't want to label myself as a "christian" or follow man made traditions I've never actually participated in the giving up of something for lent.

Until this year. This year I had a different feeling about it and I can connect a significance to lent. Lately I have been thinking a lot about simple comforts and pleasures that are so easily taken for granted. As humans we really cling to these comforts and usually we do not even know the weight of them until they are lost. I am talking about comforts, both large in small. Whether its your significant other, a special blanket or the morning coffee from Tim Hortons. When it gets taken away from us, it can really interrupt our flow. I know from experience. I especially like routine, order and when things go according to plan.

I'll let you in on a little secret... I still sleep with my baby blanket and if you asked me to give it up today I don't know that I'd be ok with it. I would definitely have some issues getting to sleep.

With all that said, I'm starting small. I have decided to give up chocolate and pop. Two addicting, comforting things I am sure I can do without. I turn to both things in times of stress. Giving something up for lent is only worthwhile if one can use it as a chance reflect on an awesome God who should be the only comfort humans need. Instead of turning to an earthly comfort I can be reminded of the love and grace I receive from above. It's also a nice time to reflect on rebirth, fresh starts and the beginning of new habits. I leave you with this...

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, and what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

There is so much hope in this passage. Not only do we know there is more to life on earth but it also points out the important things on earth today. Things we cannot see... love, peace, hope... Not material and man-made comfort.

You make beautiful things out of the dust

*Ish