The smell of Ashes

Few people would say that the smell of Ashes is something they enjoy. Ash is the aftermath of fire; the wood may penetrate a scent of warmth and comfort, but the ash is difficult to breathe in even days after the flames submit. Although it is that very ash that was once breathing light to those around it, once consumed, the wood turns to ash. Yet given the right conditions, it is those small pieces of black earth that can produce another flame giving the ash it's very purpose.
This is not far from the truth in our own lives. Life brings challenges; this is inevitable. It is the response to those challenges that defines us. Jesus could have escaped the harsh wood he was laid upon if He wanted, yet He knew without the pain and wood-stained blood, He would not be able to rise above the ashes to save an entire humanity.
On ash Wednesday, I am reminded of the things in life, which at first smell make some recoil, but afterwards, a new path is opened to breathe in peace, grace, and love every day that we breathe. We are called to be the "aroma of Christ." No matter the ashes you've carried along the way, God made a way to turn those Ashes into light for a dark world.

As I reconsider what Ash Wednesday means, I also reflect upon the new scents that were not enjoyed in my life until now. Here are a few of my favorites:

~Cheerio breath
~Peanut butter fingers (not the candy, ten little appendixes)
~A&D ointment
~Johnson's baby lotion
~Freshly laundered pajamas
~The hair of a toddler (clean or dirty)
~The feet of a toddler (preferably clean)
~Cheerio breath.... yeah it has to be said again cause I love it!
~Reheated cold coffee at one in the afternoon (I'm not saying it's the best, but it makes me happy)

Instead of viewing the world through rose-colored glasses, view it clearly and let the ash become the kind of roses only God could design.

~CC

Comments

Hard waves

Heartache and hard times seem to come like heat: in waves. Right now, I feel I have escaped the wave. I feel a sense of respite and relief. My world doesn't seem to be hanging in the balance of the next uncertainty. However, I feel the wave around me in the lives of others. It feels as if I'm sitting in the middle of my sweet autumn breeze while I'm hearing story after story of diagnosis, loss, and turmoil. Once upon a time, I would anxiously pray and wonder when my time of turmoil would next hit, but I've had my share of storms since then. Now I can praise God in good times, knowing the hard will come again. Instead of living in fear, I feel assurance that I will again experience respite and joy, and one day all my sorrows will cease when I leave this body. There's no sense in trying to avoid waves; if you have someone bigger, who created the oceans, then you can live at a level of ease no matter your circumstances. When I hear of these hurts, my heart hurts too, b...

Confessions

I have had so many people thank me for my honesty on this blog lately. I haven't really thought about my level of truthfulness until those remarks of gratitude were given. I think I naturally wear my heart on my sleeve, and thanks to my upbringing, I often hear the term TMI, which just means I'm obviously not scared to express myself. However, I also believe that when you are going through something difficult, it's much easier to be raw and real in front of others, even complete strangers. Often times, it is these "real" moments that bridge the gap between hearts and allow us to live truth. I must confess, this marathon is really all over the place. It's like I hit mile 7, and I can't believe I'm only at mile 7! This past weekend, I felt covered in prayer, peace, and love. Matthew and I enjoyed a much needed date night, our little Levi enjoyed a quiet and restful weekend, and our big boy had a blast at our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. I really ju...

Influenced

influence....... influenced. The latter word signifies a condition where someone else has an effect on your life. Taking off one little letter seems to insight a condition where you are the one acting upon the lives of others. I wish I could claim that I am rarely influenced by the opinions of others, but sadly that is not the case. If it does not go against my beliefs, principles, or well-being, I am one of those people that can easily jump on a bandwagon if presented with the material in an intelligent and legitimate manner. For that reason, I stay away from most things that can have a potential momentary or negative influence on my life. Unfortunately when it comes to little Levi, there are many different people taking care of him, and there are many different opinions regarding his current and future condition. For some reason, since the day Levi was born though, I have not searched the internet for a single thing regarding his care or condition. I believe God has protected me fro...

Coffee CubBuster

Search This Blog