Have you ever stood waist-deep in Lake Michigan? You stand in the waters with your back to the shore, looking out at the horizon. Water, water, water, then a thin line and sky. Small waves move the water against your skin.

Larger waves may require you to jump.

How high are the waves that you are facing?

In an Ash Wednesday worship service, as we dab a cross on your forehead or your hand with palm frond ashes mixed with olive oil, we often say: For dust you are and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19)

Palm fronds remind us of Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem, with the crowds waving palm fronds and shouting “Hosanna,” which means savior.

The olive oil is considered holy. When they were nomadic, living in tent communities, the ancient Hebrew community would have one tent for worship. At …