Posted: February 17, 2026
| The phrase has been in my head since I heard Pr. Sherry McGuffin use it in her Around the Mitten reflection for Ash Wednesday. Pr. Sherry was talking about the messiness of the ashes on Ash Wednesday reflecting the messiness of our lives. The Muck. As we look at what happens when humans try to stand in the place of God — when human sin, selfishness, and greed control our decisions and choices, we see the ugliness of it all: poverty, starvation, violence, illness, separation. I appreciate the breadth of the confession we use on Ash Wednesday. We confess everything from failing to put God first, to taking more than we need, to ignoring human suffering, to ruining God’s good creation. We have not just failed in one way. We have failed spectacularly! The Muck. When I hear the phrase “The Muck” my mind first goes not to the mess, but to a very fertile area of land just north of our home in Kent City. It is known locally as “The Muck.” Muck is a type of dirt found in a few areas of West Michigan (near Hudsonville as well) that is very dark and moist. It is perfect for growing things like celery, onions and turnips. This Muck is a gift! “…then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) We are Muck and to Muck we shall return. Repent and believe the Good News. The good news is that God knows exactly how to bring life to the Muck. God can bring order out of the chaos of the Muck. God can grow beautiful, life-sustaining things from the Muck. God bless you this Lent as you contemplate your own muckiness. I am praying that you will take up a practice that helps you to see so clearly how Jesus comes near to the Muck to redeem it. +BJST |