Practice Makes Perfect

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of Lent. Every year on Ash Wednesday I have a palm in my box. The palm reminds us that the same Jesus who rode triumphantly into Jerusalem amidst cheers and waving palm branches was crucified mere days later. The green palms we weave and wave on Palm Sunday here at St. Mark's are saved and burned and turned into ashes for the following year's use.

I love Ash Wednesday. It is a beautiful service and one I think we should feel comfortable sharing with our children. What I try and emphasize in my lessons is that lent is a time to really practice those things we know we should be doing all the time. It takes practice to become a good soccer or tennis player.  It takes practice to become a great painter, or a strong musician. If we are willing to encourage our children to practice these skills, why would we not encourage them to practice praying? Why do we spend time at swimming lessons, but not practice worship? Scheduling the time to practice compassion, to practice service, is a wonderful way to celebrate Lent as a family.

Try creating a Lent calendar of daily activities, like reading the Bible, helping someone in need, attending worship services each week or sharing a nightly prayer. As you fill your mite box or lift your voice in song remember, practice makes perfect.