The days are running together at our house. Without our usual routines, it’s hard to remember whether it’s Wednesday or Thursday or Friday. (For the parents: it’s another Zoom meeting! And another! And another!) But the circle of the church year still turns. It”s Lent, and we are waiting for Easter.
Lent is a purple season. The children know that purple is the color of kings (and queens). It”s also the color of preparation. We are getting ready for something new. We are getting ready for something and someone special.
We can count the days till Easter. We cannot count the days till our old routines resume. We can only trust that a new season will, eventually, bring new life.
At our house, we made purple play dough to remember that the season of Lent is helping us prepare for something new. Play dough is also fun and, even in the midst of a penitent season, we need some fun.
If you want a play dough recipe, this one (from the old Busy Street Children’s Museum in Durham) could not be easier. Mix 1 cup flour with 1/2 cup salt and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. Add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon oil. Stir over medium heat until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and looks like mashed potatoes. Knead until cool and color with food coloring.
Thank you for doing this! We love seeing familiar faces! Ginny says “I wish i could forget about when Mr. Greg ate the play dough!” 😂