When a Mom’s Easter Story Begins to Fall Apart

Easter is a meaningful time of remembrance in our faith, recalling the events that led up to the crucifixion and Christ’s sacrifice for each of us.

So at a chaotic time in our lives, with three boys under six, I determined to tell them the Easter Story in a meaningful way. Even before Pinterest, I scrolled and found a project I knew would work, called Resurrection Eggs.

All week I tried to find plastic eggs to fill with objects representing Christ’s death.

But every time I wanted to work on my Easter project I was interrupted.

On the morning of Easter celebration at my parents’ house, I realized my only accomplishment that week was buying the colourful plastic eggs. And placing them in an empty egg carton.

Discouraged, I almost left those plastic eggs at home.

Sometimes Moms just want something to be easy.

Especially when we want to communicate something important. We want meaningful moments. Or stunning photos. Or at the very least plastic eggs that are not empty.

And when an idea doesn’t come together, it is so tempting to give up, defeated.

But a small whisper prompted me to still try.

Aim for good enough.

Feeling more discouraged than inspired, I brought the empty plastic eggs in case I could still pull off this project.

I decided a Good Enough Easter Story would be better than no Easter story at all.

If you prefer the two minute video version:

Sensing my discouragement, everyone pitched in to help.

The Aunties and Uncles ran the chocolate hunt, to buy me some time.

The Good Enough Resurrection Story became a team effort.

We flew around the house, gathering items to place inside the plastic eggs.

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. Our Easter Story was so far from perfect. Settling a group of sugar-buzzed kids after a chocolate binge requires all manner of patience.

One by one, we opened the plastic eggs filled with significant items.

They wanted to sword fight with the toothpicks.

They argued over who got to hold the money. (sorry Dad, I think I still owe you 30 cents)

I certainly spoke through a tight jaw at least once.

Even though it was a long time ago, I remember being frustrated and almost giving up. The entire scene could 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, there is beauty in ‘good enough’ moments.

Never stop sharing your stories.

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.

Ten years later, 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.

If you are looking for more Easter Activities, check out my friend Christie Thomas’ Easter roundup. She’s got you covered: Fun Christian Easter Activities for Families or make your own Resurrection Story Stones.

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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