Echo of Ashes

Preacher man made it down to South Texas late last night and they are well on their way into Mexico by now. Me and the herd... well... we're working on a plan, yeah that's it, a big plan! 


I planted basil and dill in pots this morning, in fact, I beat the rain that's moving in as I write. Putting them in pots will allow a fork lift to be placed under them so they can be transported to our next location. I also took the dogs for a short walk and I had a protein shake. Got my study done and had some really awesome God time so now I guess I have to get busy with something that needs to be done. Posting a blog!


I found this is a Joyce Rupp book that I have. I know we are already pass Ash Wednesday, but I felt the need to share this with you. For me, it draws me to a deeper place, a more mindful place. I hope it does the same for you.

The Echo of Ashes

"Remember you are dust 

and to dust you shall return."

the large brown bowl

rests on a purple cloth

its roundness holding ashes

freshly burned

black and ready for wearing.

blackened thumbs

press the ancient sign

upon the waiting foreheads.

I hear the message repeated

until it haunts and hunts me down:

remember, remember, remember

you are dust, dust, only dust

someday only dust will remain.

the echo of the Lent-stained ashes

speaks the truth of my humanity:

the humbleness of my beginning,

the simplicity of my departure.

A few wise words

echoing through Ash Wednesday

urge me to deeper things:

renewed dedication,

constant compassion,

and mindful awareness.

I leave marveling

at how simple and sublime

is this envelope of the soul,

which one day returns

to dust, dust, only dust.

~Joyce Rupp~