Beauty for Ashes

This is the title of a great song by Shane and Shane. One that many of my students have grown fond of as well. It wells up in my heart when I think about the symbolism of this created observance of Ash Wednesday. That I might find the courage to let die the things within me that keep God's best from being a reality in my life. That I might replace those things with God's best for me. That I might hail the ashen death on a cross- death of my own wants, selfish ambition, dire consumerism and cling to the rich hope of an empty tomb. That I might through a meek effort of self-sacrifice find the blessing in denial, bounty in the desert. With great hope, I await the arid sky-seeking revelation, aspiration, vision, and finally beauty. May beauty rain down on us all. Such rich beauty that crushes despair and founts hope. Beauty beyond this earth. The beauty of bounty in the importants of life- love, grace, family, faith, social justice, courageous change, and patience guide.