It is only days before Easter, and although I've been waiting for spring for a long time, it surprises me that Easter is already on the threshold. Easter, when my kids were young was a fun time - full of much loved traditions - some carried over from when I was a child. I'm big on traditions. Memories are attached to traditions, and as a parent I took my responsibility very seriously to make sure those were 'good' memories, and righteous traditions. We tried to teach our family the significance behind our celebration of Easter, but I know there is big room for improvement in the foundation that we set for them. My kids have grown up and have families of their own, and I have every confidence that they will be better parents than we were. They'll take what we gave them and magnify it. They came from a strong Latter-day Saint home - a good spring board to improve from. It is not only important that they do so, it is vital. Failure to 'be better' at teaching the gospel and strengthening righteous traditions, will be tragic, as the risk to their children is even greater than the risk to my own - as we enter the final inning of these last days.
I watch with interest as they take advantage of all teaching moments. I consider it my responsibility as a grandparent - to assist them in every way I can. I do not consider my job as a parent over now that they have grown up, I do recognize however, that it has evolved into more of a supportive roll. I'm good with that.
It helps to be able to refer to the myriad of resources that exist today for that exact purpose. We have Lehi's assurance that there will always be opposition in ALL things. That means that as dark and evil and depraved as the world gets - the flip side is all the more glorious and enlightened. That is comforting and reassuring to me, and I am grateful for the many many many things that are here for me to take advantage of as I teach my grandchildren, and strengthen their parents. I'm trusting in Lehi. But he's never led me wrong yet. ..... :-)
Its Easter. And as President Hinckley taught us, "There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsamane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection." Easter is the MAIN EVENT. Everything before it and after it, hinges on what happened during that critical week over 2000 years ago.
Watch Elder Holland's message below on Easter
I'm not saying for a single moment that there is something wrong with Easter Eggs and bunnies and chicks, and all the other symbols of renewal and life and spring. I think they're wonderful - especially if they're made of chocolate. But they ARE symbols after all. They're not the main event. What do you do to strengthen your family and teach your children about the meaning of Easter?
I'd love to hear about it.
