Tuesday, April 14, 2009

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

14 comments:

The Murray Crew said...

Oh Mari, speak it, sister! I SO needed that reminder. I'm so thankful for a sister to share this road with...

Squeezes.

Jen

Anonymous said...

Mari - you have such a gift with words that always end up touching me in some way. I truly believe we find God in the common day to day tasks of living (and certainly parenting). I again think back to your earlier post....And so there I was in a field enjoying my kids in full bloom.....and am reminded that is how God enjoys us. May we continue to celebrate the new Life of Easter through the year - Debbie

P.S. Sophia looks beautiful waiting for the hunt....

Alaine said...

Wise words Mari, you always touch my soul. You have been entrusted with much, and how wonderfully you have invested in what God has given you. May every moment and experience draw you closer to Him and the peace only He can give. Love to all. (so happy the sun came out for Easter celebrations)

Shannon said...

Ok, did got shoot you an email and tell you to write that just for me? I think he did. I was feeling the same way.

ANSLEY said...

Oh sweet Mari - You are AMAZING!!! We love you so much!

Fulton Quads said...

mARI~
tHANK YOU FOR THE REMINDER! i NEEDED THIS! oUR TRIBE HAS BEEN SO ROUGH LATELY THAT i ALMOST GOT CONSUMED BY "MY" LIFE & ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT HIS! i NEEDED THAT REMINDER THAT THAT THIS IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT JESUS DID FOR US! tHANK YOU AGAIN & hAPPY eASTER!
lOVE, cATHY & HER QUADS
ITSAQUADLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Shannon said...

got would be God...

Jac Tubre said...

Preach it sister...I SOOO needed to hear that. Times have changed, that is for sure. I could use a little help embracing that thought every once in awhile :)

jac

Anonymous said...

Sorry Sunday didn't work out. Looks like it got sunny there after all. We are glad you were able to have a nice day.
Miss you guys,
Heather

C and C Mommy said...

Thanks for giving me a mid-week focus!!

The McNulty Family said...

Mar,

That was a simply BEAUTIFUL post. I love you mama. I'm so glad to have you in my life.

As far as our kiddos trying to kill us. Oh mama, some days it's easier to choose to be happy than others. We are only human. You, however, are super human!

XOXO
Gen

Hilary said...

That was a beautiful post and very true for us Momma!! Thankyou for the reminder!! I needed that..your kiddos are adorable too!!

Michelle said...

The Lord is truly amazing and it is wonderful that you were able to "Be still and know" in a time of trials. He really does use the most amazing things to teach us! Happy Easter to you all!

Blog reader from Alabama

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