212 Ashes in the Wilderness: My Lenten Journey from Ritual to Reality

On What Last Year’s Failure Taught Me About This Year’s Opportunity

The mark is on my forehead again. The smudge of ash, the reminder of dust. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The words hang in the sanctuary air, a solemn truth spoken over each bowed head. Today is Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The gate of Lent swings open once more, and we are called to walk a 40-day path that leads from …