The Most Important Thing…
A few days before Easter, my family set out on a walk to enjoy the beautiful weather. We ended at a park where the kids threw the football around, trying to make it into a target that they had created. The shouts of, “10 points for me!!” and “Holy cow I can’t believe you made that” echoed about. Tony and I sat on the bench, enjoying the few minutes of “downtime” that seemed non-existent in this season. As we soaked up the sun, a group of girls walked up to the park, from Middle School down to 3rd grade or so. It was apparent that they knew each other well. They jumped on the Merry-Go-Round and began twirling quickly. We watched from the bench, observing their interactions with each other. Soon, conversations of, “What are you wearing for Easter” were being had.
“I’m going to wear this yellow shirt with a white skirt!”
“Oh …. Cute, I wish I had a white skirt!”
“I’m wearing a blue-ish dress with flowers on it!”
Tony and I chuckled at the details they were sharing knowing that we’ve had those same conversations at our house! Our attention wandered off to other things when something was said that completely drew both of our attention back to the group of girls.
“I’m not even sure why we are celebrating Easter,” one girl shared as they pushed the Merry-Go-Round faster and faster.
As soon as she said this, another girl piped up, “You don’t know why we celebrate Easter? DUH! The Easter Bunny comes, we get candy, and hunt for eggs!”
My stomach dropped. WHAT!!?? Tony turned slightly and gave me a glance of….. “wonder where this is going?”
The bantering went on about what they thought Easter was about until one of younger girls shyly spoke up so quietly that we almost couldn’t hear her.
“Actually, I think it’s when some guy named Jesus dies on the cross and then rises again.” She looked around meekly to see how they would react. The other girls looked up as they were still being twirled about. Most of them didn’t have anything to say to that. One girl acknowledged what was said with, “Oh yeah…. I think I’ve heard that before.”
Soon after, they hopped off the Merry-Go-Round to head home. My kids came running back to let us know they were done and ready to head home as well. We stood up and began our journey home – silently. Thoughts ran through our head (and I know Tony was thinking the same thing because we later discussed this!) about what we “should have done.” Maybe we should have walked over and shared about what Easter means?? Maybe that would be creepy!? Maybe we shouldn’t talk to random kids at the park!? Our minds were filled with so many “maybe we should haves.”
As we continued on, one of our kids came up alongside us and said in a rushed manner, “Hey – Did you hear what those girls were talking about? I almost went up to them and set them straight! It’s crazy that people just don’t even have a clue about what Easter is about. I mean… It’s just about the most important day ever! Jesus rises again, which is AMAZING, and before that, He dies on the cross because He loves us SO much. How can you just NOT KNOW!?”
That is a good question to think about, isn’t it? How did these girls just NOT KNOW about Jesus!? Obviously, it’s because no one had told them!
This is something I’ve noticed lately; that many people around my age, who grew up in the church, don’t find it important to be intentional about sharing Jesus with their kids. I know, I know……life is SO BUSY (FYI – I’ve been told we are now supposed to use the word ‘FULL’) 😊 and well…… honestly, you deserve a break! I hear ya!!! But, here’s the thing – YOU heard about Jesus intentionally, were most likely baptized, and spent lots of time at church with friends. How do you expect your kids to know about Jesus if you mention it once and a while and only head to church on Christmas and Easter! I mean, those ARE fantastic days to head to church but – so much is missed!
Are your kids seeing that time with God is more than what you do on Sundays or on the major holidays? Christ needs to be a part of your everyday life! Do they see you, (yes Parents – I’m calling you out here!) spending time in God’s word, not because it’s another thing to check off your to-do list, but because you want to! I admit, I am so guilty of this! As a homeschooling family with a Dad that works from home we are together more than most. It’s so easy to hide away in my room, where it’s quiet, to read the Bible.
But what would happen if you did your devotion out in the middle of the chaos!? Sure, you may have to re-read a verse over, or you might have to read with a kiddo on your lap, or a football flying across your face, but think about what you are teaching your kids when you do this! Learning about Jesus and His ministry IS important and should be part of our everyday lives. Our kids are the only thing we can take with us to Heaven. BLAH – read that again! OUR KIDS ARE THE ONLY THING WE CAN TAKE WITH US TO HEAVEN! Not the sports teams, or the vacations, or even the academics. I’d like to challenge you, not to think of this as another thing you need to add to your day with your kids, but something that is the most important thing…..because accepting Jesus as their Savior, having a personal relationship with God and knowing that they are saved by grace, through faith IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING for our kids!
Amy Bomareto, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
