Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, and it lands on Valentine’s Day. I’ve seen a bit of chatter online, trying to help young couples and parents maneuver this interesting matchup of the pop culture calendar and the church calendar. While it’s not the most earth-shattering parallel in the history of history, the last time these 2 lined up was in 1945.
In case you were wondering, Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter. 40 days of Lent + 6 Sundays that are considered Feast Days, where you are allowed to drop your Lenten discipline and indulge a bit.
Easter is held the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. Translation – between March 22 and April 25.This year, there is a full moon on March 31, a Saturday, so Easter is the next day – April 1.
I am old and boring and married, so Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day falling on the same day doesn’t really change much of anything in my life. We are busy. We work hard. Mid-week holiday celebrations are short and sweet in the light of our responsibilities. I’ll make time to go to church at lunch. We may, or may not, go out to dinner. Hopefully, we’ll hold hands when we walk into the restaurant.
My cynical friends refer to Valentine’s Day as a manufactured holiday. A way to guilt men into buying flowers and chocolates. Moms get roped into another party they suddenly need to plan for at school. Kids stress about having the right cards to pass out, the right candy to share. People wonder why they did – or didn’t – get a Valentine from that special someone.
We don’t do anything particularly special for Valentine’s Day each year – but it’s still a good time to keep in check. Are we paying attention to each other? Are we being good to each other? Do I let my husband know how special he is to me every day? Not just on Valentine’s Day?
Would I rather have him walk in the door with a gift of flowers on some random day, just because? Of course. But Valentine’s day is a good reminder. A reminder that sharing love with those who are important to us is, well, important.
Ash Wednesday is my day to check in as well. It helps me take stock of my life and see what areas need to be put back in their place. The discipline of Lent isn’t about losing weight, cutting your caffeine addiction or finding a good excuse to train for that race you’ve been thinking about. Ash Wednesday is about making space for God. It’s about remembering “Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return.”
Our lives are short. Are we living our lives for God? Are we living them to the fullest?
My wedding band is a symbol of whom I belong to. I’m proud to wear it. That’s what tomorrow’s ashes on my forehead are a sign of as well. I was bought with a price. I’m thankful.
And Sunday I’ll be thankful to dig into those Valentine’s Day chocolates that I bought for myself.
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