This was a somber night. We attended a visitation. We had never met Phil - Major Dvorak - but we know his wife well. Nora and I and Cindy serve together on the immigration task force of Quad City Interfaith. Nora is the embodiment of simple human decency - the meaning of Agape, the Greek word that doesn't really translate, but refers to the love that seeks the good, the welfare, the perfection of someone else. "Greater Agape has no one than this, than to give up one's own life for a friend." 1 Cor. 13 is often used at marriages, but that's a misuse of the Scripture. 1 Cor. 13 is about Agape, not Eros.

Phil was dressed in his Army dress uniform, and a plaque full of medals was posted nearby. This was about paying respects to a good man, and glorifying God for a life lived well.

As it was for Sam, and for so many others, too many for me to name.

Thank you all, and may God be praised for your having passed our way.

At the Ash Wednesday services, Catholics (and many other Christians) receive ashes on their foreheads. While the ashes are being placed, we are reminded: "You are dust, and to dust you will return."

So note to self: make the most of this life while you have it. And don't make more of yourself than you are. Dust. And to dust you will return. Sooner or later.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan told a story of an Ash Wednesday while he was ambassador to India. Late in the afternoon of that Ash Wednesday, he remembered that it was Ash Wednesday, and the realization came to him: "I haven't received ashes yet!" So he called a parish, got a priest who agreed to impose ashes, had the chauffeur called, the car fired up, the flags of the country and the embassy streaming - all presenting a really impressive-looking sight. He got out of the car, entered the church with the pomp and escort you'd expect for an ambassador, and the priest imposed the ashes, with the reminder: "You are dust, and to dust you will return." Reminder.

There was a Buddhist monk who had a parrot trained to ask, "Is today the day?" Thus the constant reminder: it just might be.

So live like it just might be.

Thanks for hanging out.