When my boys were little (6, 4 and 2), I determined to tell the Easter Story in a meaninful way. After much searching, I found a practical tool using plastic eggs from the dollar store.
But for that particular Easter, I didn’t want to fill them with chocolate.
I wanted to fill them with items that told the resurrection story, one egg at a time.
When it came time to pack up for Nana and Grandpa’s house, my project was still incomplete.
I brought the empty plastic eggs in case I could still pull it off. With a deep breath, I decided ‘good enough’ would be okay for this Easter story. It would simply have to be okay.
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Everyone pitched in to help.
The Aunties and Uncles ran the chocolate hunt, to buy me some time.
Nana helped me choose thorns from her rosebush to represent the crown placed on Jesus.
I raided Grandpa’s money shoe for 3 dimes to represent thirty pieces of silver.
We gathered cloves for the spices used for the burial.
And, of course, the last egg was left empty.
Please do not picture a Norman Rockwell painting.
It was so far from perfect.
My little boys wanted to sword fight with the toothpicks.
They argued over who got to hold the money.
I certainly raised my voice at least once. Even though it was a long time ago, I do remember being frustrated and almost giving up.
If this was a movie, the whole scene would have been labelled ‘Outtakes.’
I really didn’t think they were listening.
But as I look back at these pictures, I realize I was wrong.
They were listening.
And to think I almost gave up because it wasn’t going to be perfect.
Dear Parents.
Never stop sharing your truth.
Keep bringing love and depth to your kids, even in the midst of silliness.
Whisper truths about hope and forgiveness while the kids giggle and play.
And keep sharing as these Littles turn into Bigs. They are precious in His sight.
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I think I might pull out those resurrection eggs again this year. (Did I mention they sell them premade now?)
Or even better – I’ll have the Big Boys tell the story to their Little Brother. Toothpick swords and all.
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May your Easter be filled with the understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for imperfect us and our families. And may we receive the Easter miracle we so desperately need.
Share a time where you had to embrace ‘good enough’ and let go of perfect. What helped you make that choice?
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Loved this post, Karen! It’s a lesson that’s taking me too long to learn. The ‘perfect’ is never as effective as the ‘truthful and from the heart’. How many moments have I missed out on because I didn’t feel like I could do a Pinterest-version-dinner/craft/experience!? Ah well, better to keep learning the lesson rather than not learn it at all. Brokenness, authenticity….real-ness…are my goal these days! Thanks for the reminder of their power.
Thanks for reflecting on this journey, Carlene. Putting ourselves under any pressure never ends well, does it? Especially not when perfection (or Pinterest) is the ultimate goal!
Thank you Karen. This is beautiful and oh so true. Blessings to you and yours this Easter.
Thanks Laura. Bless your little family this Easter as well.
Beautiful! Thank you Karen, for your honest story telling and sincere encouragement. ❤️
Thank you, Esther! It’s my ministry to be honest so everyone else feels great about their parenting. 😉
Beautiful message Karen!! . Thanks for sharing ideas how to explain to our kids the truly meaning of Easter.
Aw, thanks Claudia. It was an idea I had copied from someone years ago, so I can’t take any credit. Have a beautiful Easer!
This post reminded me of so many times with my own kids whenI fell far short of perfect in trying to teach them or guide them. But what strikes me most after reading this, is how often we recognize the value and deep truth of things long after the fact. Time and space provide perspective for us. I wonder what your boys recall of this first ‘new’ way to telling the Easter story?
Oooh – I love this, Wende. I will do some Good Friday reflecting with them today.