I’m so thankful that it’s not just Easter morning that presents an opportunity to remember that Christ is risen. It’s every day that we have the choice to live out the joyous Easter message.
I love celebrating holidays, but honestly, it’s really hard to not get bogged down by the whole Easter Package, partly because we live in a society that says holidays should look perfect and vogue, shiny and colorful, stunning and impressive — with magazines, blogs and television shows constantly reminding us.
The Easter Package that I grew up with as a child, the one that my Mother lived out very humbly, was not the Easter we see today. For my Mother, the Easter message of love and forgiveness was served up family style to each guest sitting around her table. Yes, she pulled out the special linens and china, with a centerpiece of tasty homemade white Easter cake sitting on a pedestal, decorated with green died coconut for grass and jelly beans as a symbol of life. Even though my mom entertained beautifully, though, she did not entertain perfectly. You see, forty years ago, Mom wasn’t tempted by all of the glitz that we fall in to today. She didn’t have much to compare “her style of entertaining” with.
This is where beautiful and imperfect comes in.
We struggle and fight to look good–for our families to look beautiful on Easter morning, for our food to be gourmet, for decorations and tablescapes to be over-the-top and impressive. I’d say we might be a bit prideful about it all, myself included. But putting this “Easter Package” aside, we have to remember what really draws people together on that day. Is it really Easter bunnies and egg hunts and delicious brunch food and chocolate? Or is it the true message of genuine love and authenticity that we have when we put impressing aside and choose to bless others?
Christ’s death (the true Easter) wasn’t “pretty” or “hospitable.” It was nothing but authentic and real, offering the total gift of Himself–resulting in our ultimate freedom.
In my book, I explain that authenticity is “relating to or donating an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposeful, and responsible mode of human life.” This definition is a perfect reminder to us on Easter, because other than the true Easter message, it shows us just how important being authentic is to relationships.
-Authenticity is honest and it doesn’t try to needlessly impress others.
-Authenticity attracts other authentic people.
-Authenticity can cause people to want to be around you and your family more. It can be “catching.”
-Authenticity can create some of the most soulful, loyal friends in life.
Lysa Terkeust says it beautifully in her new book, Made to Crave, “We label ourselves and soon lose our real identity to the beaten and bruised fragility we call “me.” We compare, we assume, we assess, we measure, and most times walk away shaking our heads at how woefully short our “me” falls when compared to everyone else. How dangerous it is to hold up the intimate knowledge of our imperfections against the outside packaging of others.”
I’m encouraging everyone to put the Easter packaging away this year, and to simply relish the kind of hospitality that my Mother taught me almost 50 years ago.
Do you think that being authentic and putting aside “image” is attainable this Easter?
By Sandy, Reluctant Entertainer
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The Perfect Easter Package … — Reluctant Entertainer says
[…] The Easter package I grew up with as a child … –> read more, HERE. […]
Diana says
“How dangerous it is to hold up the intimate knowledge of our imperfections against the outside packaging of others.” What a powerful quote–I know I do this frequently, but this puts into perspective how ludicrous it is!! Thanks 🙂
Mandy says
I loved this post! I see myself getting caught up in having to have things look “just so” much of the time. What a great reminder that it’s not about me.
Jen says
Fabulous post! Thank you for such a great reminder!
Beth Williams says
Absolutely! It is sooo easy for me to do that. I am just who God made me, I don’t compare myself to others.
If I were to have people over they would get everyday dishes (no fine china here), with just plain country cooking. To me the holiday is about GOD & what HE did for us – that includes Christmas!!
Kris says
This was such a blessing. Thank you for this. That we may bring HIM into focus, and forget the rest. Just fixing our eyes on hid glory…
jeri says
Beautiful written. It’s is so easy to get caught up in the frills of the season and forget the REASON for the season. Amen.
Anonymous says
Do I think that being authentic and putting aside “image” is attainable this Easter? Yes, our Easter celabrations have always been about Christ….we go to Church together in the morning and then a “beautiful family dinner” spilled gravy and all.
Thanks for a beautiful post.
teresa says
Sorry forgot to sign in….the last comment was from me.
have a wonderful day
Teresa
Kirstin says
Beautiful post Sandy! In answer to your question….a definite YES!!!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
Yes, yes, and yes!
HE shines bright, when we stop trying to put the focus on our shiny crystal & silverware…!
Thanks for the timely reminder!
Teri
Holley Gerth says
Thank you for always bring grace and perspective, Sandy!
Rene@BargainHoot says
Beautiful as always! I love your perspective!
xo
Marlis says
It’s so hard not to do this. We would all be much happier if we put the packaging aside, pulled out the hospitality, dressed the table with love and dished out a heaping serving of faith.
Linda @ prone to wander says
We love this special time of the year. It almost feels like a new year is here! We keep things simple too, very much like my mom did. It is mosrly a family time for us and one of telling stories of Holy Week and some times we attend extra observances too. Have a blessed Easter morning!
Brettni says
What a wonderfully put message. God Bless You!