Ashes

 Ashes. While I write, I am watching the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. (Yes, I regularly awake by 5:30 a.m.) How enjoyable from March 4 though 13. On another channel, more news about Russia's attack on Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant. The fire is now out.  Ashes. But, at this hour, there is still fear of a nuclear meltdown. Ashes.  Amidst the ironic juxtaposition, I ask myself, "Which is reality?" Lent is the time not just to realize we are all human--ashes--but also to recognize the human condition. God created us to live together, with each of our abilities and disabilities, to joyfully use our gifts and to inspire one another. Historically and globally, we try to conquer land and annihilate the one we call enemy. Does that have to be the dominant reality? Lent: a time to reflect, repent and be restored by the Creating, Redeeming and Life-Giving God.