It may be a weird connection to some, but when I think of Easter, I think of marriage. Actually, I think of the process of getting married and all that goes into it. Over the last 19 years I have done hundreds of premarital counseling sessions and have always considered it a privilege that a young couple would come and allow me to be a part of the beginning of their marriage. I have come to truly love the process of being one of many supporters and encouragers in a couple’s life as they embark on this amazing journey with one another.
At times, however, I have been a little amused and shocked. The most shocking thing in the early years, which I have now come to expect, is the initial discussion about the process. I would estimate about a third of the folks calling to set up the premarital counseling process seem a little put off by the fee or the 4 to 6 sessions that we schedule together.
Why is this ironic you may ask? Here are a few things I wish these couples would consider: How much are you spending on flowers? How much is the cake or cakes if the groom gets his as well? How much did the dress cost? What is the price for the food and the reception? How about the gifts for groomsmen and bridesmaids? Where are you going on the honeymoon? How long have you been planning this whole thing?
Now, which of these is going to make a bigger impact on the health and longevity of your life together, the wedding or the work you do on developing the relationship? What will you come back to when you struggle?
Our perspective on what is most important leading up to a marriage is not always what it should be. We often emphasize and draw attention to the wrong things. We pay attention to the things that we may always have fond memories of, but these are not the things that will be most important 20 years down the road.
We often do the same with Easter. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love and have always loved coloring eggs, going on Easter egg hunts, spending time with family, attending the Easter service, etc. I also believe that all of these things are an important part of the tradition, just as a wedding cake, dress, etc. are part of the marriage tradition. Let’s just make sure that we don’t forget the most important part of the celebration.
As parents, we have the unbelievable opportunity to aid in our children’s moral development. I actually believe that it is not a choice, but an obligation that we have. There will come a time in everyone’s life when they are challenged in a way that goes beyond the ordinary right/wrong, wise/foolish type of decision. At these times, it is a moral foundation that will guide them through . . . Or not.
This moral foundation does not come from the world and is not picked up accidentally. It has to be taught and modeled in a consistent manner and it begins with our understanding of who God is, who we are in relation to Him, who Christ is and what he has done for us, and then ultimately in how He wants us to live.
With Easter we have a great opportunity to introduce our children to Christ. To me Easter is the culmination of the whole story, and the story is not a boring one. It begins with the story of how Christ got here, what He taught us, how He suffered and sacrificed and ultimately (this is my favorite part), how He was resurrected – validating the whole Truth that we all ultimately need to know.
It is a miraculous adventure that all children will appreciate. So yes, this Easter, have an egg hunt, go to church, eat a great lunch with family, but most importantly begin or strengthen the construction of your child’s moral foundation by introducing them to Christ. They will know what to come back to when they struggle.
By Keith McCurdy [email protected]