Lavender and Roses

Saturday, March 15

Lent crept in.

We have slowly been developing our family traditions for Easter since our oldest was born.  Mostly they have grown as we have and reflect our family journey with God. The Sunday before Easter is a short  reflection on Palm Sunday, either at church or at home. The Wed before is the start of passover - a hunt for the leavened bread as a representation of our sins.  We burn it the following morning as a preparation for Passover, and Easter. Thursday is Passover, a simplified Christian version,  which has been part of our lives in some form or another for several years.  Often we invite another family to share this time with us. Interestingly enough many of those families drift out of our lives the following year - also has a traditional watching of the "Prince of Egypt" video, something that crept in over the years, and at some stage will disappear but hasn't yet. Easter Friday we wake to the cross draped with black, I make hot cross buns and either we head to our church service, or when their isn't one (and sometimes the churches we have been in don't) we curl up and watch the Jesus video through. The cross stays veiled until Sunday morning when it is surrounded with the families choice of easter eggs and the celebration of new life enjoyed.  But Lent well , Lent hasn't been part of it. Each year I have thought about it and then missed the start. This year was much the same. But slowly things have crept in, and the last few weeks have become a time to consider our lives before God. In my room a space has grown to bring the things I need to leave with God, and say goodbye to. In my social circle activities have been brought to mind that need to be pruned off. In our family the gathering of thoughts for things we need to hand over to God when we burn the bread that reflects our sin has started earlier. We are being pruned and re-settled for a new year. The result is a healthier , happier home. The same issues exist outside of us, but our reactions are healthier. Life is good, and I am grateful for this time to reflect and examine our lives in light of God's unending forgiveness, and loving help.

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