Focal verse
“As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
Reflection
“I don’t want to practice!” My daughter draws out each syllable. “Do I have to?”
I get it. She’s tired from a full day of school. She wants to run around outside now that we’re hitting warmer temperatures.
“I know,” I tell her. “But we committed to these piano lessons, so you should practice.”
Knowing the value of practicing at home, I keep encouraging her to work on her lessons. I’ve witnessed her reading and softball skills improve one session at a time. I’m confident the same will happen with piano if we can get her to practice.
I know I’m not the only one who struggles to get her children to practice. Maybe it’s 20 minutes of reading, pitching, dance moves or math facts. I see my daughter working on her piano lessons and how hard she needs to concentrate. Learning the piano isn’t easy. I tell her that, with practice, she’ll find her own rhythm. But it’s still a struggle.
Some days, I find it hard to practice my faith. Anytime I take a moment to read Scripture or journal prayers, I feel better. I witness peace and feel confidence in God’s presence. But I, too, have trouble consistently making time for practice.
As we approach Holy Week and the Easter season, I’ve been thinking about the practice of resurrection. With the never-ending to-do, the children’s activities and managing the house, there’s plenty to keep my head down. It’s easier to dwell on excuses as to why I can’t see the beauty of resurrection before me.
What would it look like if we took a posture of practicing resurrection this season? Of intentionally looking for signs of hope and new life in our lives?
Maybe it’s a walk with your family, looking for new buds and green sprouts. Maybe it’s visiting a local nursery, delighting in the abundance of flowers. Looking for baby chicks and other animals. Reading through the Gospels as a family. Planting a vegetable garden. Listening to birdsong. Walking in the woods. Turning off your phone.
Practice gives us presence—presence to know God at work in our lives and to see God at work in those around us. Practicing resurrection is a lifelong task, one that is always ours. Easter shows us, as a resurrection people, that God is always at work, bringing new life into the world.
Practices
- Take a contemplative walk as a family. Don’t rush. Don’t bring phones. Walk and keep your eyes open for signs of new life (birds, sprouts, tree buds, flowers).
- Pick up trash in public spaces. Talk about caring for your community by keeping it clean and beautiful.
Prayer practice
Pick one of the resurrection stories (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-12) and read it together as a family. Talk about where you see yourself in the story. Imagine being there and how it would have felt. After reading and talking together, say a prayer for your time spent dwelling in God’s word:
Dear God, thank you for your stories of hope and resurrection. These stories happened long ago but still feel real to us. We know you are a God who brings new life. Help us to share your love with others. Amen.
