Easter and The Importance of Family

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (when he rose from the grave). No man had taken his life. He had given it freely for us - to restore our fellowship with God. He had been crucified and was buried for three days. All his disciples had believed that he was gone for good.  He had told the religious leaders and his disciples that He would give His life and on the third day rise from the grave. The religious authorities had remembered His words and tried to prevent it by putting a large stone in front of the tomb, a Roman seal, and guards. But none of that prevented God’s plan for that first Easter.

Although this is why we celebrate Easter, the holiday also represents time with family for good food and making memories. Unfortunately, family holidays change as years pass, and what once was fades.

I was reminded of this recently by something my granddaughter said. She told her mother that she misses Easter dinner with the family at my sister's home. She is the youngest of the grandchildren in my family and as is often the case, as the others get older, the family holiday gatherings begin to fade. Whether it is due to distance, children becoming adults and moving away, aging grandparents/great grandparents, health issues, etc. Easter dinners seem to be celebrated more apart than together.

I had not realized how important this was to her and it saddened me. It was something that I had taken for granted for so many years, and I now could see the significance of this family bonding. We do not realize what an impact this family connection has on our children and grandchildren. It makes them feel a part of something greater than just themselves. It gives them a sense of safety and security knowing that their family will always be a part of their lives and that they can turn to them in times of need.

My eyes have been opened by a child, my grandchild, and I once again can see the importance of family holiday dinners. Moving forward I will ensure that they have these special moments, even if they are smaller than before. The memories from these gatherings will go with them as they go through life and will set the foundation for Easter dinners with their families.