Centered

Yesterday I was throwing pots - I find it relaxing - if my mind is churning the act of forming the clay - of feeling it turn from an unruly lump into something calms me down. Perhaps it is appropriate that after my pancakes I turned to mud, to the earth after all Lent is very much about the elements of life - about grounding ourselves - about digging in.

It can seem daunting but with practice it can be the best of times as we take ourselves - that potters clay which Jeremiah describes - and allow God's firm and gentle hands to center us and form us. Centering can take a bit of effort - some clay is resistant to being made into a tidy mound - but with patience the potter works until it is ready for forming.

As Lent begins we can pray that God will use this time - however we choose to allow God - to center us firmly - to remake us in the image he chooses. It is important time - time for both being and doing. Letting go is important but so is entering in, allowing, being moulded.

If we go to church, as the ash is placed on our forehead we are beginning a process and are reminded of our earthiness, our createdness and, yes, our brokeness. We begin a journey to a place where God can remove the stains and smudges of life.

The collect for today:

Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen