The Ultimate Sacrifice

Easter weekend is definitely a celebration in our household. Celebrating the miracle of Jesus's resurrection which means eternal life for all of us who believe. But something else has been speaking to my heart this weekend.  Just ponder the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and how we, as parents, should be prepared to do the same for our children and surrender daily.  Take, for instance, the holidays. I used to get so excited about them. It meant hanging out with extended family, playing games until the wee hours, having a late breakfast and just relaxing together all day.  Now it's filled with the normal daily tasks that need to occur to get the kids ready, fed, cleaned up, disciplined and entertained - not much of a "holiday" for us parents.  I can even remember thinking what a bummer it is that I spent my few hours of free time shopping for the kids' outfits and I didn't get anything new for myself.  Or how disappointed I was when the kids all came down with coughing-runny nosed-can't-hide-it colds and I couldn't bear to drop them at the church nursery and chance getting everyone else's little ones sick. So now we weren't able to enjoy the Easter services like we'd been looking forward to all weekend - and it wasn't just for a free hour sans kids ;).  It was in that selfish moment that God spoke to my heart to tell me times have changed and I need to rise to the challenge. My dinky sacrifices will never compare to that of Jesus, but these little things that we do put on hold while raising our children mimic His character and our kids will see that He is very much alive in us.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your ultimate sacrifice - may we celebrate it all year long.

Sophia Waits Patiently For the Egg Hunt

Finn Taste Tested Every Egg

Noah Runs With His Loot

Cohen Dutifully "Cleans Up" All the Eggs

Cousin Madeleine Wears Her Basket Like A Purse

Our "Casa-Noah" Gives Busha Some Love

The Break in the Rain Gave Way to a Beautiful Lunch Outdoors