I always feel so conflicted about Easter. Now before some of you flip out, I am NOT at all conflicted about the fact that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, dead, buried, and raised from the dead in order to save my life from the sin I allow to permeate it. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ that is at the very core of my being. The conflict is in the humanness I experience. I want the “trappings”….the new dress, the candy, the food, the festivity. And especially since Malachi is now with us, I wanted him to experience Easter as well. Yes, I realize he’s very young (6.5 months) and that he won’t remember any part of it, but I would feel like I had cheated him if we hadn’t gotten him a special outfit and an Easter basket full of goodies. Do you see my conflict? None of us NEEDED anything, but to celebrate the ONE who gave us life everlasting. So, this year I decided not to buy a new dress (I wore one from 2 years ago), no Easter candy (except two Cadbury eggs…one for me and one for Hal) and while we did celebrate with friends, it was very low key. No extra money spent. I have a feeling I am going to have to reconcile how we handle Easter between now and next year since Chi will be old enough to be right in the middle of the conflict with us. Although, maybe it shouldn’t be such a conflict…maybe I am only making it more difficult than it needs to be. I don’t know…anyway, we didn’t make the trappings a big deal this year and I am really glad.
All that to say, Chi did get a special outfit (which was purchased months ago) and he did get an Easter basket. I spent $6 at the dollar bin at Target for everything. He received 3 books (Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and Sesame Street), sidewalk chalk (for later), a set of three plastic shovels for the beach, and a sand pail. I have to admit, he looked very sweet.
He was very excited about his Easter basket.
I love that the first thing he grabbed was the book…he loves to “read”.
My sweet, sweet boy!
I am so thankful that Malachi is such a happy boy. Does this Mama’s heart good.
This Easter we not only celebrated the resurrection of my Savior, but also our first Easter with our son. I am truly so grateful for this special time in our lives. By the way, I am totally open for suggestions on resolving my conflict.
