“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”
On this day, let’s remember the true meaning of Easter as we visit with family and friends. Treasure the moments for the days go by quickly, loved ones are gone and kids grow up. This day holds so many mixed feelings for me…..
Growing up going to my grandparents while my parents and aunts went to sunrise service on the beach. Then home to get ready for church. Totally new outfits to wear to church. Sometimes even a trip to the Boardwalk for the Easter Parade in Asbury Park. Then back to my grandparents for a traditional Easter dinner with the whole family. Easter baskets overflowing with candy from the “Carmel Shop” and “Old Monmouth”. Happy memories of my childhood.
Fast forward (many years) to having my own home with my daughter, Belinda. Easter took on a different meaning. As an infant, I had lost touch with God, feeling like I didn’t deserve his unconditional love. Easter was still about dinner with family but gone were the traditions of church and the Easter parade. When I entered recovery, things changed ever so slightly – now I was entering into a relationship with God but still did not have a church. As Belinda got a little older, we did Easter baskets but they were filled with toys and games because she didn’t like chocolate. I know can you believe it! She did like white chocolate but only in small amounts. And of course “stale” marshmallow peeps. It was a treasure hunt to find the basket with clues left in Easter eggs throughout the house. I can still remember the squeals of excitement as she found the basket. I even remember making her Easter outfits and heading to Atlantic City for the traditional Easter parade. Dinners were a little smaller but family was still together.
Now, as the miles stretch between us, we each celebrate Easter with our extended family. Gone are the Easter baskets filled with candy. Gone is the traditional family Easter dinner. There will be loved ones in heaven celebrating together while those of us left behind still struggle with making new traditions. The true meaning of Easter begins to shine through…
My relationship with God has grown and I am grateful he loved me enough to sacrifice his son for my sins. Today, I will head to church then hubby and I will head to Atlantic City to have brunch with mom and my step dad. I miss those traditional family holidays (those I remember) but am learning to create new memories with each passing day.
Share your Easter memories with us. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 