Through Connor's Eyes

Every day this week, Connor has jumped out of bed shouting "Mommy, Mommy, it's Easter time!"  He says it like he's saying it's Spring, Summer, Fall and sometimes does lump it all in there.

I've caught myself correcting him a few times, because I didn't want him to get confused on real seasons, like Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter or for fear that he might find out I am totally unprepared to dye Easter eggs, hide said Easter eggs, decorate or fill an Easter basket or trudge through lines to visit the Easter bunny.

I've thought a lot and prayed over how to handle holidays.  By choice, I don't talk about the Easter bunny because well, there is nothing (at least that I know of ) about the Easter bunny that points to Jesus.  At least for Christmas, St Nicholas was an actual Christian who delivered gifts to needy children.  That I can swallow.  But there is something about the Easter bunny that I can't.

Then it hit me.  Easter IS a season. I mean duh, it starts with Lent!  And for Connor, there is so much JOY in celebrating the life of our Savior. 

Every day this week, I've had a clear moment to share the story of Jesus' journey to the cross.  My feet were really, really dirty one night and I got to tell Connor the story of how Jesus washed the disciples feet.  While he was in the bath tub, I stuck my feet in, and proceeded to wash all of our feet as the story unfolded.

Today as I caught myself telling Connor "It is NOT EASTER YET!"  I was able to tell him the story of Good Friday and about how Jesus died on the cross. While we played in the garage, we brought out the scrap wood and built the cross.  We talked about how much it hurt, where the nailes were placed and why He had to do it.

As we were dying eggs, I had to remind myself that the eggs we were dying didn't have to be perfect.  They could be cracked, broken, or discolored.  In Connor's eyes, they were his masterpiece and they are beautiful. We too are broken and scarred, but we are God's masterpiece and in Him we are made perfect. 

Tomorrow, I am sure I will have a moment to reflect on the sadness his disciples and Mary felt as Jesus was buried in the tomb.  And on Sunday, we will get to SHOUT FOR JOY as we celebrate Jesus who rose from the dead! 

In Connor's eyes, it is simple.  There is no need for fluff.  There is no need for extras.  There is a need to wake up every morning shouting "It's Easter Time, It's Easter Time!"