James Derkits

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Those are the words I will repeat, as I smear a crude cross on the forehead of each person who comes forward to make a sacred and solemn beginning of the lenten season on February 10. The practice of observing Ash Wednesday helps us to confront our mortality, to recognize our dependence upon the immortal God we worship, and urges us to consider how we might fully live the life God has given to us. It is a season of reflection, preparation, and return. It is ultimately the pre-season to Easter, during which people traditionally prepared for baptism; offered penance as they returned to a life of faith in the church; and it is for all of us an opportunity to deepen our spiritual lives.  It is a paradox that one way to live a full life is to first confront the reality of our own death. There are m

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you!" Those words I've prayed for years, and sung in song  have come to life even more for me. When our schedules allow it, and the weather and waves are right, Laura and I take turns going for a paddle out around sunrise. I have a wetsuit that makes it possible, but the water still feels cold enough to help wake me up. After being splashed by a wave as I paddle out, I feel like I'm born-again. Ready for a new day. close-up of my board Most days I still spend time with my books and journal for my reading and writing practice either before or after time in the surf, but the paddle-out has become one of the most religious parts of my day. When the sunrise bursts through the clouds while I wait for a wave, I feel unified. Connected with God and the good creation. And whether I speak the words aloud or not, my heart sings: "Arise, shine; the glory of the Lord has dawned

Originally published in the South Jetty Newspaper Last year was uniquely full of weddings and funerals among my community. Each one is a blessed event, even the funerals, when we mourn the loss and begin to commend our loved ones to God's eternal care. In my tradition, we color-code the seasons of the year, famously noted by comedian Robin Williams among his " Top Ten Reasons for being an Episcopalian ." Of course, other faith traditions also abide by a set of liturgical seasons, and with them we journey through the life of Jesus over the year, changing the color of the art of the church, and the flavor of the music we sing. In a simplified fly by, we have seasons to prepare for, dwell in, and to integrate both Christmas and Easter. The seasons are a way for us to practice the spiritual faith experience of birth and rebirth that we journey through. My favorite seasons are the seasons in which we prepare for Christmas and Easter. They teach me patience, preparation,