“As we prepare for the season of Lent and the journey into Easter, you have a rich opportunity to provide and experience an encounter with Christ as he faces the most trying leg of his journey as God’s Son.”

Visions

There are moments in our lives; there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of the greatest wisdom. If one could but recall this vision by some sort of sign. It was in this hope that the arts were invented. Sign-posts on the way to what may be. Sign-posts toward greater knowledge. —Robert Henri

Why do the flames that flicker on candles catch our eye?

Why do we stop at the edge of the ocean—eyes focused on the blue—spirit soaring in the mist of crashing waves?

Why does a certain song transport us to another time— another place?

Why does a painting, a sculpture, a photograph or a simple sketch cause us pause?

The answer is fairly simple. It is in these times of awareness that we are able to see the exceptional—the holy. It is during these times that we sense God’s presence in our lives. It is the color, the sound, the feeling. It is the catch in your breath—the chills down your spine. It is the simple feeling of peace.

Teachers

I do not think that there is any coincidence that the word “each” forms the center of the word teacher. The act of teaching is learning from each other.

You agreed to teach Christian education in your church. Whether you are working with young children, teenagers or adults, you made a decision to step out and share with others what God means to you. Thank you. As we prepare for the season of Lent and the journey into Easter, you have a rich opportunity to provide and experience an encounter with Christ as he faces the most trying leg of his journey as God’s Son.

Some of what we experience during the Season of Lent is brutal. The stories are familiar; we have heard them before. I challenge you to turn your fear and anxiety over to God. Step out into the dirty streets. Wave your green palm fronds. Stand at the tomb. Feel the hard stone.

Touch the nail holes. Invite the members of your class or group to join you on the journey.

Healing

Much of what we experience during the Season of Lent and on into Easter is healing. We are able to turn inward for a time. We are able to look into the mirror of our souls and see our reflection the one God calls to serve others in his name. We wash the feet of those we travel with. We experience a new Light. We joyfully carry this Light into the world, shouting Alleluia!

Roger Hutchison is Director of Children & Family Ministries at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina. Also a painter and photographer, this is part of an article he wrote for teachers in Living the Good News.