Our Easter Traditions: As We Remember

(Updated from original post: March 28, 2018)

I can't help but look back on previous Easter photos and allow myself a tear or two. If I begin watching videos I basically begin a flood, as it is true- the days are long, but the years are short when it comes to raising little people who turn into big people. The days seemed especially long when my kids were young. The feeling of isolation was often deep and wide in me. It was also a season where I was physically unwell, without answers, and struggling with depression. Needless to say, at times, it was a dark place.

This makes me think of seeds and the reality that a single seed, having all it needs to create life, may take root in dark 'isolation,’ but for the purpose of growth. How often I have felt isolated and alone when, in fact, I was being planted in safe fertile soil? Looking back I can see the potential truth of that in my life and the evidence that fear of the unknown (my perceived darkness), kept me from experiencing joy as seeds of life were being planted. Even in the known, it is still scary to wait in darkness, especially when such waiting is dictated by a circumstance such as a worldwide pandemic, for example. (Is anyone still so very surprised this is a part of our story?)

There are simply so many times in life where we will face hard, even dark circumstances. Therefore, be encouraged as you continue reading (or listening). Though much may seem different or out of place in life, what truly matters remains the same. You have what you need to celebrate no matter where you may be, regardless of filled baskets or picnic fare. The purpose, the point, the person we remember today is still with us! Our savior walked into and out of darkness for the fullness of life and light, and there is nothing, I repeat, nothing, that can take that away. This, my friends, is why we celebrate! Therefore, may you create memories and celebrate in a way you will never forget.

As you continue reading, you will find a relaunch of a previous post. We share our family traditions and how we celebrate right in our own back-yard. We have also added voice recordings with personal thoughts and encouragement, as well as a reading of my poem. (Found at the end with a printable pdf option included.) I've been wanting to add audio for some time, and somehow this particular time and celebration seemed the perfect place to start.

Love to all,

Andea

Photo Credit: Jessica Collins Photography

Each year for Easter we plant a garden to remember the truths and joys of such a celebration. It is one of my favorite personal family customs, and the assembly of Easter baskets is as warm for me as the filling of stockings. I choose to fill them with a curiosity or two, items of interest to our everyday lives or events to come, and with content that pertains to the truths we want to digest and remember.

I choose fruit to remind us that we do not labor in vain but also that we are invited to a banqueting table of eternal celebration, adding something bitter & sweet to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord, our King, who came to save. Last but not least, in each basket we place herbs to remember his life, he so freely gave in place of ours, and the life we now can partake. These herbs will flavor and enliven our palettes and communion for the rest of the year as we remember. I pray that my children will truly understand, not only in these traditions, but that in the living out of our faith, we remember in actionable love, surrender, and gratitude, that there was and is life after the grave. He is Risen.

“He is Risen.”

Our Easter traditions remind us that, in his gift, we may grow where we are planted - life may come from dark places with seeds of hope, renewal, and redemption. We remember, we get dirty, we dig, we laugh, we frolic, we eat, and of course, we hunt. They are traditions I relish. I think of my childhood with tender recollection as I see my children in their youth and innocence seek, find, and share in the watchful eye of my care as I ponder and relate.

I can't help but wonder of the first "children" in Eden and their innocence. The fruit, the earth, the garden? Planted with the seeds of glorious perfection. They walked with the Father, talked and communed with the very Maker of all things, and yet they fell back to their very heart's destruction. I want to shake my head in disgust and yet I know I would have, and have done the same. I am immeasurably measurable, and just as guilty as the first for enabling the custom of innocent blood for those that deserved to be slain - a custom understood by the Lord's chosen for hundreds of years, and a tradition that Jesus would fulfill for eternity. In the darkness he arose, and in His light we live. Yes, He is risen. He is risen indeed. We remember.

“He is risen. He is risen indeed.
We remember.”

Happy Easter!

Andea Beims

EAster BAsket (Pictured):

Trader Joe's - freeze dried fruit and plantain chips; Target - bunny tails, ears and baskets; Sprouts - herbs, Annie's bunny fruit snacks, Izzie Sparkling Juice, and sunbutter cups; The Village Church - an Easter book that we have used for years from our previous home church TVC. It is filled with simple images of items symbolizing Christ's death, life, and resurrection. We place these small items in many of our eggs and discuss each item after our hunt.