…dust to dust. Tonight I'll be reminded of my mortality … of the swiftness of life … of my transgressions.

No need to remind me of my mortality. Lately, I'll be going about my business and then suddenly I have this impression, or perhaps you could even call it a vision, of my life in relation to the past and the future, and I see so clearly that it's just a blink of eternity's eye. If even that.

I think of all who have gone before me, and those who will come after.

I wonder about my life, if it's made any kind of difference in this world at all. I see that all this stuff we've accumulated and worried about really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

And I do all of that reflecting in one breath, one heartbeat.

In the next, I vow (once again) to make each moment I'm given matter. To not take a single one for granted. I figure that way, I might fall short of the goal, but I'll be closer than if I didn't shoot big.

I'm keeping my stuff, though. Or at least most of it.

Sometimes I wish I didn't think so much.

A reminder of my transgressions … now, that's probably necessary, and more often than once a year. It ties in with my vow of making each moment matter, of trying to make a difference in this world.

I came across this quote today and I think it's appropriate for the Lenten season. Well, anytime, but now is a good time to start. And of course, I believe it applies to everyone, not just Christians, don't you? Where it says "Christian", just insert "Peaceful"…

If we truly wish to be Christians,

we must love peace,

we must make our own the cause of peace,

we must meditate on the real meaning of peace,

we must conform our minds to the thought of peace.

~Pope Paul VI
Italian pontiff, 20th century


Peace be with you.

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22 responses to “Ashes to ashes…”

  1. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    Peace. Such a small word. Something that we would all love to achieve but never seems to be within grasp.

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  2. An Authentic Life Avatar

    Thank you for that thoughtful post.
    I took a deep breath after reading it.
    KT

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  3. Ida Litteral14 Avatar

    Read just in time for mass. Thank you and Peace be with you fellow blog sister.
    Ida

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  4. Debbie B. Avatar
    Debbie B.

    And with You! And for what my humble opinion is worth, I think you already have made a difference in this world. And thanks for sharing part of your world with me.

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    And with you! 🙂 

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Debbie!

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You're welcome, KT. I know you're like me and sometimes forget to stop and breathe. I'm glad I could help!

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I know – but worthy of our continual effort!

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  9. Lady Fi Avatar

    Lovely bird shot… Being aware of life’s brevity helps us appreciate it all the more…

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  10. Spanisheyes Avatar

    Beautiful!
    I was reminded too…
    And also with you!

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  11. Bella Casa Avatar

    I try to reflect on my life often…it keeps me centered. Your post made me stop and think a bit longer today. Thanks!

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  12. L² Avatar

    Barb,
    I have been to some very dark and unfriendly places of late within my heart and mind…the things I have pondered and the questions I have wondered upon are such that I have at times had to make solid mental and emotional safety-lines to ensure that I do not lose sight of the opening through which I can exit…but it is entries like this one that help brighten the light showing the way to the surface. Thanks again for your insights and heart.

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm so glad it helped! Keeping you in my prayers!

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  14. Sage Avatar

    Nice quote. In this dark season, we could all use some peace.

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  15. Julie Avatar

    Less than a week since I attended Ash Wednesday services at our church, and I already needed reminding.
    Thank you!
    TRDC

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  16. I Thought I Knew Mama Avatar

    Wishing you peace. Beautiful post.
    TRDC

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Same here! Sad how often I need the reminders!

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  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you! Peace be with you, too!

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  19. Gail Avatar

    Beautiful post. After 30 years away from Catholicism I received my ashes last Wed., and I was so grateful for the reminder that we are but dust. All the things that I sometimes put importance on don’t matter a whit. Peace to you, my friend. Hope you have a wonderful week.

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  20. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm glad your first Lenten experience after 30 years was a good one! I hope you're having a wonderful week, too (are you still visiting family?)

    Like

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