A little volunteering in aged care

is humbling,

challenging

and an enormous privilege.

Marking the start of Lent with them,

I remind myself and those gathered

that God loves us

as we are.

God has already forgiven us

but we need to forgive ourselves

and others

so that we can move on,

be our best selves.

‘I needed to hear that’

said a beatific 99 year old.

As I distribute ashes

to another elderly woman

she says ‘thank you’

and flashes me a glowing, slightly cheeky grin.

I say

‘No, thank you’.

Still burning, bright.