Well we had a relaxing Christmas… well at least as relaxing as we can have with 2 children. We went to services Christmas Eve night (not midnight services) and Nathaniel talked his way through the sermon. Clearly he had more to add that the pastor didn’t think of! What was more impressive then this was that he screamed all the way there and back, but inside church he was as happy as a clam!
Christmas day we had our first morning with Max bouncing into our room wanting to race down stairs to open gifts. He hasn’t done this before so that in and of itself was a wonderful sight to see… even if it is a bit much so early in the morning!
However this all reminded me that I didn’t do a great job this year of prepping for Christmas as a family. I don’t know, maybe it was because Christmas was late this year, maybe it was because I am constantly worried about Nathaniel’s weight (mainly because doctors always are) or maybe it was just the fact that I now have 2 living children. Whatever the reason, I feel like I missed an opportunity with Max this year, and that makes me sad.
So today I set out to not make the same mistake again, starting with lent. For years I have searched high and low for something I could use to teach Max about lent. It is sort of a hard concept. It is rather heavy and can be dark as well. There are PLENTY of things to explain Advent to children, but nothing for Lent. I think many people would argue that Lent is more important then Advent too. You know, sort of like how the wine could be more important then the bread at communion.
In the absence of anything, I have decided to create something of my own. We will see how it turns out. My thought process is this: Make 40-49 items that can go on a “lenten tree”. I am sure there are several bible verses in the old testament that point to the resurrection. However I would admit that I am not that well versed in the bible, having come to really reading it in my 20’s. My goal is to find those verses, and make an ornament that will go with it. Thank goodness Easter is late this year so I have a bit of time. If I am successful then I will post about it. If not then this may be the last you hear of this idea.
Ideally speaking I would like an ornament, activity, and bible verse every day. We will see how this turns out. If you have any suggestions I would love to have them.