Normally at this time of year, we’re talking about our Easter plans and preparing for the break. Some families have long-standing Easter traditions. When our children were growing up, we used to go to Easter Conventions at either Mount Tamborine or Warwick. They were great times of catching up with people we only saw once a year. My sister and her family always went to Inskip Point at Easter with her husband’s extended family. This year though, we’ve been told that we can’t go on holidays at all. Meeting with extended family has become difficult if not impossible during this period.
Some folk may be relieved at not having to have Easter at Great Aunt Jill’s (or whatever), but others may be very disappointed at not being able to celebrate in their usual way. It’s okay to be disappointed and sad about not being able to do something. I always advise people to be honest about their feelings. Once we acknowledge how we feel, it frees us up to consider other alternatives.
There’s nothing we can do to change the lockdown situation, so the next best thing is to consider what we can do. How many of us have thought or said, “I’d love to do this or that, if only I had the time”? I’d love to call so and so and have a chat if I had the time. Maybe now you do have the time. Why not make a list of things you and your family would like to do (that don’t involve travel and the like)? This could be a great opportunity to spend meaningful time together. Children do not have to be amused all the time and actually enjoy doing things with parents. Sometimes the most meaningful time we have together as families is when we’re doing practical things together.
While we can’t go out visiting people, we can still call, face time, skype or even write letters. If grandparents are locked down, brainstorm some ideas for brightening up their lives. Silly is fine and grandparents enjoy silliness and fun too. Are any of your neighbours health-care workers? If this virus goes the way many fear it could, can your family come up with some ideas to show them your appreciation or provide practical help?
Finally, I encourage you to think of the real meaning of Easter. Easter is the holiest time of year in the Christian calendar. We may not be able to remember it in our usual way, but there are many excellent resources online to enable us reflect on the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. One of my favourite Bible verses is from 2Corinthians 5:21 “He [God] made Him [Jesus] Who knew no sin to be sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” I love it because there’s no way I could ever be good enough for God. Jesus (who never sinned) sacrificed Himself to pay the price for my sin, so I could be right in God’s sight. He’s done the same for you if you believe and accept His gift. Could I recommend that as a family, you read in the Gospel of Luke (in the Bible) from Luke 22 to Luke 24? May your Easter be a blessed one.
