Think:

For the next 40 days, we’re invited to dive into a journey where we focus on Jesus’ suffering on Earth. It’s a time for us to really imagine what it was like for Him — to sit with the pain, the rejection, and the sacrifice. Ash Wednesday kicks off this season where we reflect on our mortality, the fragility of life, and how God sees us, even in our brokenness. It's a powerful moment to remember how the church used these 40 days before Easter to prepare spiritually for the big events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It's not just about giving something up, but about connecting deeper with Jesus's sacrifice.

Live:

Take a moment to really be present in nature today — whether it’s a walk outside or sitting quietly in your garden. Notice how the leaves, the branches, the tree trunk, and the soil all come together in a beautiful display of God’s creation. Just like that tree, you’re made from the earth, and God’s breath brought you to life. Take a second to think about your place in the world. How does it feel knowing you’re part of this earth, fragile but loved? As you reflect on your own vulnerability, ask yourself: What is God telling me in this moment about my identity as both dust and beloved?

Pray:

Jesus, help me to accept that I am dust. Help me to know that I am beloved dust. Amen.