We are well into 2012. This is February, it feels like spring in these parts (where was the snow?!), and I’m not even accidentally writing 2011 on my checks anymore. If there was a time to write a “best of” post, it probably would have been a month or so ago. However, a month or so ago, I was running around on the other side of the world (see my China pictures!) so I didn’t have the chance to. Plus, today is Ash Wednesday. For those of you who don’t celebrate the day, it is the beginning of Lent. For many who are in the Christian tradition around the world, we head to church and receive a mark of ashes on a forehead. “How strange,” you may exclaim. I, for one, didn’t used to know what it was about and have had my fair share of telling strangers, “Hey, you have something on your forehead.” Awkward. However, these days, I look forward to this time of year. When the pastor or priest marks a forehead with ashes, he or she says something to the effect of, “From dust you have come, and to dust you shall return.” Yes, how morbid. In our culture, we are afraid of death and such reminders are so strange to our ears.
But that’s the truth, isn’t it? Instead of fear and avoidance, our finiteness should lead us to humility. Our lives have a beginning and an end. What will we do with what we have been given? How can we recognize and be grateful for how we’ve been blessed?
And so this is why I’ve chosen today to do a post on 2011. To all the people who have allowed me to be present at such an important and beautiful day in their lives, to witness a beginning of something wonderful, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, all your hospitality, and the uncountable ways you have made this such an enjoyable job. I am grateful for you all, and for the way you have helped to make this last year so wonderful.
Here are just a few snapshots from each of the couples I’ve had the honor of meeting. I rather enjoyed putting this together and reliving some of those days :).
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