The season of Lent began today (Ash Wednesday).
As a family we are using the next 40 days leading up to Easter to learn and talk about repentance. The boys don't quite understand the definition of repentance, but 'sorry' is something we are all too familiar with.
Today was our first of "40 days of 'sorry.' "
We began this morning by talking about what we will be doing, why we are doing it and went around and shared something we were sorry for and prayed for forgiveness....
Sam shared that he was sorry to God for his bad attitude
Shep shared that he was sorry for being mean
Mom shared she is sorry for her anger
Then prayer.
(The tender hearts of my children praying moves me in ways I cannot begin to express....I understand why Christ said "for such belongs the Kingdom." )
I pray that the boys will learn that repentance is not about focusing on themselves but on our need for Him. I pray that they wont grow discouraged by the times they fall, but encouraged in the God that restores them. I pray that they will see their father and mother humble before His throne. I pray we will all prepare our hearts for the celebration of that wonderful scandalous night.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51: 10-12
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51: 10-12
( All of Life is Repentance by Rev. Tim Keller)
6 comments:
A-M-E-N friend! Thanks for humbling me...What a time to remember things are not about ourselves...I needed that conviction today!
great post - as a former Catholic, Lent is always an interesting season for me...i wish our church did more to recognize it in it's true form.
loved these ideas!
That's a great idea to do with the boys. It's easier than trying to find something to give up during lent for little boys-- as they don't quite understand the meaning of refraining from something to focus on Him... but being sorry-- that they can understand. We say sorry a lot around here.
Kathy, I loved this post. It's such a great idea for the kids - great way to make a relationship with God real to them.
p.s. I popped in on your family today. They looked well. :-)
It's really interesting visiting lots of blogs and seeing what everybody does to recognise Lent. :)
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