More Than Our Mistakes: A Lenten Reflection for Young Hearts
During this year’s Lenten sessions for upper primary students, we explored a powerful message: We are more than our mistakes. Through a carefully structured 40-minute session, children were gently guided to reflect on dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of not judging others too quickly.
The session began with an engaging ice-breaker that helped students realise how similar we all are in our experiences of being judged, forgiven or left out. This opened the door to the heartfelt story of Amara, a girl who carried the weight of others’ judgement, yet encountered compassion instead of condemnation. Her story reminded students that kindness and understanding can transform both the giver and the receiver.
Through small-group discussions, pupils reflected deeply on gratitude, second chances, and how their own actions impact others. A short animated film reinforced the theme of judging too quickly, helping them recognise how easily assumptions can be mistaken.
The session concluded with a creative reflection activity, where students symbolised “dust” (hurt and mistakes) and “light” (kindness and forgiveness). This visual reminder encouraged them to choose compassion in their daily lives.
In this Lenten journey, our students were invited to become “light” for others—choosing kindness, acceptance, and hope in all they do.
