This week has been a very busy one for me. It’s the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which is today. For those whose religious traditions celebrate Easter, there is a lot of preparing: through attendance at church services, cooking, crafting, dyeing and decorating eggs, pulling out spring finery from the closet, all in anticipation of this day.
And what is this day? As a feminist and church lady, it’s a lot of things to me:
- a reminder of rebirth
- a reminder of renewal
- a reminder of spring (which we sorely need in New England!)
- a reminder of the importance of community
Today I put on my big Easter hat, head to church, listen, sing, enjoy watching the kids hunt for Easter eggs, and sip on a mimosa (yes, my church has something for the kids and the adults for our Easter coffee hour!).
Then, I do some cooking, head to a friend’s house, embrace others, enjoy conversation, share food, and revel in more community.
Finally, I head home and get in bed, reflecting on the goodness that life brings (along with all the other stuff that I’m not talking about at this moment).
Isn’t it awesome that we get to experience, rejig, reimagine and revisit special days and rituals? I think so. Especially the reimagining part. My father died 25 years ago on Easter Sunday. That changed the holiday for me, and rightly so. But over time, those experiences and memories all became part of the day for me. I think of him as I watch the kids in their Sunday best and as I greet my friends, bringing pound cake to the party.
Tomorrow brings a return to the everyday: work and yoga and meditation and students and exams and regular cooking and walking. That’s also good. But for today, I wish you a good day of reflection or ritual or rest.
Happy Easter!
