When I was young, I thought the season of Lent and Ash Wednesday was for Catholics. In fact, I knew little about either tradition until my second internship for my master’s program. My supervisor was a bubbly, young All-Faiths chaplain who oversaw the spiritual care for a two-building campus that consisted of a retirement community and trauma hospital.

I was shocked when on what I thought was a normal Wednesday, we went around offering the sign of ashes on the foreheads to residents, patients and staff. Even stranger, she said these words while smudging ashes on each forehead “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Yikes, I thought. What happened to a good, uplifting message?!

I learned that Ash Wednesday and Lent can have power and meaning to a wide variety of people.  Lent is, traditionally, a religious Christian observance covering the 40-day period leading up to Easter for repentance, prayer and fasting. That’s why some people abstain/fast from things such as chocolate, social media, or alcohol for this season. Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days and reminds us of our humanity and finitude here on Earth.

As Spiritual Life Leader, the overtly religious practices and holidays don’t always speak to me the most. However, there are aspects of Lent I have grown to really appreciate and incorporate in my life and work. For me, Lent is a season of honesty and humility. It’s a season to acknowledge this is my one, finite life. I am a flawed human and don’t always get it right. While “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” is a little… harsh, for a harmonious, conflict-avoidance soul like me. I do think it is important to be honest with ourselves regarding the limitations of our bodies. This is a big part of what it means to be human.

For me, Lent is an invitation to be vulnerable and honest. That is why for the season of Lent, I’d like to invite you to the Lenten Lectures here at Meadowlark Hills (information listed below).  Whether you have a long-standing faith or no faith, this series will inspire and challenge us to think about the hills and valleys of life and how we can journey through them together.

Wednesday Lenten Lecture Series: Though I Walk Through the Valley

March 5: Ash Wednesday, Rev. Melanie Nord, Spiritual Life Leader, will speak on the topic: Finding Faith in the Valley. This will be followed by administering ashes for those who wish to partake. Ashes will also be brought to households on this day.

March 12: Lonnie Baker, Chief Executive Officer, will speak on the topic: Motivating People Through the Valley. This will be followed by a question-and-answer opportunity as well as table discussion groups.

March 19: Annie Peace, Health Services Director, will speak on the topic: Caring for Others in the Valley. This will be followed by a question-and-answer opportunity as well as table discussion groups.

March 26: Kendra Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Manhattan Arts Center, will speak on the topic: Creativity in the Valley. This will be followed by a question-and-answer opportunity as well as table discussion groups.

April 2: Richard Linton, President of Kansas State University, will speak on the topic: Leading People in the Valley. This will be followed by a question-and-answer opportunity as well as table discussion groups.

April 9: Ned Seaton, Editor-in-Chief of the Manhattan Mercury, will speak on the topic: Sharing News in the Valley. This will be followed by a question-and-answer opportunity as well as table discussion groups.