Yesterday I wrote a post about belonging. I mentioned how we each are created in Christ, made to do good works. We EACH have talents. I am realizing just how much I love art and words. Since I have begun to courageously take more steps in spending time on art and words, I am finding just how much it energizes me, and my family. For so long I have despised my desires and dreams because they didn’t seem to matter much. I kept them safely hidden, under lock and key.
Yet, since being brave enough to open this dusty box, I am finding so much joy.
Last week I listened to a talk on making Holiday traditions with your family. I was brainstorming ways to do that with my own family. Not just to do it, but to do it in a life-giving way for all involved. Number one idea was to draw on my chalkboard Jesus’ death and resurrection. I am finding so much joy in getting my hands dirty and blending together chalk into something beautiful. My girls always watch in awe then promptly ask to go draw on their chalkboard. These pictures inspire conversations and point to Christ. It is one way I can create memories for my girls.
The second Easter tradition I came up with was shirt painting! I loaded up the girls last week and made a trip to Hobby Lobby. Have you been there lately? I wanted to buy everything. I mean everything. My husband sent me a text, put it down and back away slowly. Deep breaths. I am thankful to say we still have money left in our account after that trip. 🙂
I decided each year we would paint T-shirts with what Easter means to us. Then when the next year rolls around I will store the previous shirts until they turn 18. Then I will take them all and make them into a T-shirt quilt. Often, I don’t love doing tradition things like this. It seems like all the effort isn’t worth it. But after painting our shirts on Saturday the girls expressed how much they LOVED it.
I have always been a bit afraid to follow what flows naturally for me because I have told myself for so long it doesn’t matter, it isn’t very beneficial. But to see their eyes light up over the chalkboard and shirts was so rewarding. It gave me a glimpse into the truth I know, that my kids need ME as a mom. Not the mom I think I should be doing the traditions I think I should be doing instead of what energizes me.
We just hosted potluck two night ago. I am not good at hosting and hospitality. For so many years I have beaten myself up over not being good at it because I feel I should be good at it. This year was different tho. I am enjoying the things I am good and while praising God for my friends who are good at hosting! Instead of comparing myself to them, I thanked God that they had that gift and I was finally enjoying mine.
Are you looking for some Easter traditions but arn’t sure what that should look like. Ask God to show you how you can use the gifts He gave you to come up with traditions that are life-giving for you and your family. Lay aside the comparisons and the shoulds and be courageous enough to follow that deep rooted desire in your heart. Thank God for your friends who have other gifts and than do that thing that makes your heart sing.
Leave a comment below. What Easter traditions do you do? Do you struggle with what you think you should do or have you found that thing that lights you up and benefits your family?
