02-18-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 18, 2026
Today is Ash Wednesday, and I will begin the day early in the chapel. In fact, I will arrive well before the 7am starting time for ashes so that I can pray. Ash Wednesday begins an important period of time—forty days to be specific (40 days, minus the Sundays)—preparing us for Easter. Though it appears to be an anonymous quote, I love the words: “Let Lent be a season of spiritual resurgence.” Our actions do not create or somehow allow God’s work in the world, but it’s as if Lent provides us time to be intentional about removing all the things that are hindering the movement of God’s Spirit. I remember working on a farm years ago where we discovered how the beavers had started building a dam at the place where an irrigation canal connected with a creek. The crops were not going to get water unless we dismantled the obstruction. I was sorry for the beavers, though we just moved their building materials further downstream. Where has something been building up a spiritual dam of sorts in your life, and with some intentional work this Lenten Season, how might there be a rush of renewing waters of grace streaming into your life?

May this day provide me with an opportunity to reflect on where some spiritual work is needed, while also making the first step toward implementing that needed work. I look to you, Merciful God, as you appear to be one step ahead of me—beckoning me and encouraging me to be an even more reliable facilitator of your grace. Amen.