It was an early beautiful spring day. Dog walkers, cyclists on the sidewalk and motorists making their way to work made it clear the world was on the move this morning.
Between the sidewalk and the street were multiple signs all proclaiming in one way or another that today was Ash Wednesday – and all were invited to partake.
Donuts, coffee and purple bags filled with Lenten treasures sat upon a table underneath a small red awning.
And at 6:45am ashes in hand my long time friend and colleague Bill and I stood ready to offer to any takers.
Ten hours later and over 200 plus ‘takers’ we were in awe and amazed with all that had transpired. The intention was a couple of offerings scattered throughout the day yet folks kept coming. Putting up a sign to say, “Sorry We’re Closed” just never crossed our minds when the steady stream of humanity.
So many great encounters:
~ A truck full of construction workers who drove past, turned around, jumped out of their rig, and then stood in a perfect line
~ A jeep filled to capacity and beyond with college age young women on spring break heading to the beach. And on their way back to their vehicle they asked if we could take their picture as one proudly shared, “I’m sending this to my mom. She is going to be so proud!”
~ A grandmother who drove up with the young parents and the grand baby in back, “Can you give ashes to my grandchild?” Of course I responded and went on and asked, “How about for the rest of you?”
Throughout the day my friend Bill and I mused about what a diverse and eclectic group of humans that had stopped by for ashes. We particularly pondered about what it was that drew folks to come and receive ashes.
What was unquestionably clear to us was that each person had their own story…own desire that drew them to that holy moment. And as often is the case we felt incredibly blessed to have shared it with each and every one of them.
So come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who been here often and you who have not been here for a long time, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, not because it is I who invite you; it is our Lord. – T. S. Eliot