Day 68 (3/9/11) - Ash Wednesday

Today at lunch Ryan told me his teacher had given up eating sweets for the next 40 days.  I used that as an opportunity to explain the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the significance of Lent.  I told him that I was giving up Facebook for Lent.  I then asked him what he wanted to give up.  He thought for a minute, musing aloud, "I don't think I can give up raisin bread for 40 days...I know, I'll give up complaining and disputing!"  He then quickly reminded me, "But you know, Mom, I only have to give it up for 40 days." 

After seeing one of his teachers with ashes on her forehead, Ryan expressed an interest in attending the Ash Wednesday service at church.  I tentatively agreed to take them, even though the service was at 7 pm (which is close to their bedtime) and I'd be braving it alone since Mike was working. 

Throughout the afternoon, I monitored the weather because the forecasts were calling for heavy rain with potential flooding.  I told Ryan if the weather worsened by the time we needed to leave, we may need to cancel our plans and stay home.  He insisted that we go, reasoning "Mom, God and Jesus will keep us safe, especially if we're driving to church."  Can't really argue with that! 

Ryan was so excited to receive the sign of the cross rubbed onto his forehead, that he practically skipped down the aisle when the minister invited all who were interested up to the front of the church.  His enthusiasm touched me and reminded me that we should all strive to have the faith of a child.