Ash Wednesday

I grew up Catholic and I particularly remember going to church on Ash Wednesday. When I was young I would be embarrassed to have a big black cross on my forehead. My siblings would make fun of me. One time I rubbed off the ash as soon as the service was over and I remember my dad getting so mad at me for doing so.

Since I decided to become more devoted to God and to follow His word {about five years ago} I try to make religious celebrations an important part of our Christian walk. There's no point in looking back since nothing can be done but I can do something about it now.

We went to a Catholic church that we've been to once before and attended the last service on Ash Wednesday. This is a practice I want to instill in my children and I also would like for us to be more dedicated in taking part in Lent.

At home I explained to them the meaning of Lent and why it is important that we partake in it and to set aside time to reflect on Jesus Christ ... His suffering, His sacrifice, His life, death, burial, and resurrection.

As Riley's turn came up to get ash some of it went in his eye. That made us chuckle because of the way he said it. Good thing it didn't irritate his eye. He was fine.

Riley actually behaved himself pretty good. I gave him a notepad and pen so he could scribble. That kept him quiet for most of the service. He got a bit restless during the last five minutes. That was our queue to leave.

Both Sydna and I gave up pastries for the fasting period and although I told her that Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent, I still don't plan on having any pastries. Sydna well, that's a different story.
For Riley's fasting I'm cutting his tv watching time to half.

Of course, I will encourage my family to partake in Lent but I will not force them to do it. All I can do is educate them and make them see how important it is to be obedient.

Hope you all have a nice weekend.