Hasidic Jews practice one of my favorite religious rituals. They carry two slips of paper in their pockets. On one is written:   “I am only ashes and dust.”    The other reads:  “For you, the universe was created .”   This is a great practice for the Lenten season, which invites us to right view of ourselves and God.   I daresay even doing this practice for a week during Lent will help balance your self-image, seeing yourself as God does. For to God, we are at once beloved and immature, wandering, wayward toddlers.   Undoubtedly there are times when we need to heed one or the other of these messages to balance our self-perception. Surely, bold conceit and a poor self-image are two sides of the same coin.   On days when pride and arrogance have gotten the best of us, knowing we are made of dust, brings us back to reality. Conversely, when we are feeling dejected and worthless, there is no greater remedy than realizing the fullness of...