Easter

This year, Easter was filled with the very best things - time spent with family, delicious food, and enough candy to power a year-long sugar-high. Most importantly, we spent the day marveling at the extravagant grace of the empty tomb.

During holy week, we made an effort to participate in everything our church offered. We visited the prayer garden and attended the services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. These activities/services provided space for reflection and worship throughout the season of Lent. I looked forward to Easter with more excitement this year as as result of the way these services prepared my heart for the good news of the resurrection. 

We started Easter morning in the kitchen together, making resurrection rolls as a family. Will and I shared the Easter story with Asher as we completed each step. Recently, I've been humbled by the immense responsibility of sharing Jesus with my son. This Easter, we worked hard to help Asher understand why Jesus died on the cross. It was so exciting to see Asher beginning to understand the story of the cross!  

After breakfast, we went to the Easter service at church. What a joy it was to celebrate the resurrection of my sweet Savior with other believers! The energy in the sanctuary was palpable as people rejoiced in Jesus' victory over death. 

We spent the afternoon at my parents' house. The weather was beautiful, so we spent time down by the lake. Asher spent the afternoon in his Batman underwear - fishing, paddle-boating, and splashing in the ice-cold water. I'm already looking forward to the many summer days I'm sure we'll spend on the water. 

In the evening, Wes and Kylene came over for dinner. Kylene arranged an Easter egg hunt for Asher. Asher had a great time searching for the colorful eggs hidden around the yard, but his favorite part was devouring what was inside. 

The most wonderful part of Easter, however, was the overwhelming joy of knowing that He is risen. He is risen indeed!

(On a side note, I’m trying to be more intentional about establishing family traditions. When I think about my childhood, some of my dearest memories are built upon family traditions. I long to create these experiences for Asher as well - experiences that he will remember fondly, that will become a part of his identity. Aside from the usual decorating of Easter eggs, we made a resurrection garden the week before Easter. We also baked resurrection rolls on Easter morning. I would like to repeat both of these activities every Easter because they provided wonderful opportunities for discussions about the real meaning of Easter.)

Spring

I am smitten with springtime in Michigan.

Although the weather has been moody and mercurial, it seems as if winter is finally loosening its icy grip. A symphony of birdsong lures the sun over the horizon each morning. Wind billows through the treetops in mighty breaths. Tiny buds - yellow, ivory, lavender - have begun to bloom, hinting at the beauty that will soon overtake the garden. 

Last week, we welcomed the arrival of spring with an evening at the park. And I was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the moment. Asher wore his Batman shirt (complete with cape) and toted his beloved stuffed dog everywhere he went. Will pushed him on the swing, the steady back and forth interrupted by frequent laughter. There was dirt and wood chips and reminders that slides are meant for sliding, not climbing. And I was thankful. For that moment. For this life.