This past Sunday, Easter Sunday, was the most dressed up that I've gotten for church in a long time. I wore a dress. I ironed my husband's shirt and put my two-year-old in a bow tie and navy pants. We made an effort and the term 'Sunday best' seemed to fit.
This is not the norm. Most weeks I wear jeans and a sweater. In fact, the clothes I wear to church are often more casual than what I wear to work.
But it was Easter Sunday. And I remember how carefully my mom choose elaborate dresses (often with big bows) for my sister and I to wear on Easter Sunday. We had white baskets and curls in our hair. And it felt special. In a way, these preparations helped get our hearts and minds ready for a big celebration.
As I was thinking about this over the weekend, I began to wonder: Are we missing out on something by becoming more and more casual in what we wear to church? Is there a heart and mind preparation that takes place when we make an extra effort? Or, on the flip side, are we able to be more authentic and more welcoming by placing less of an emphasis on 'church clothes' so to speak?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.