The one where I talk about religion
I've never really talked about my religion before on my blog. Some of it is because I'm very private about my faith, and some of it is because in truth, I'm not exactly fully practicing all the time. But I am a Roman Catholic for those who didn't know.
There are two reasons I'm writing about my religion today, and they both have to do with the upcoming Easter holiday.
Emmy is at an age where she can start to understand what the true meaning of these holidays are all about. At Christmas time this year, both at home and at school, we emphasized that Santa is indeed fun, as are presents, but the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. She knows who Jesus is, along with Mary, Joseph, and of course God.
And while Easter is the pinnacle of our faith, I'm really hesitant to talk to her much about the true meaning of this holiday. We've talked about the Easter bunny, coloring eggs, and spending time with family. But I have yet to touch on what the day is really about...and this year I don't think I'm going to.
Now hear me out before you think I'm just about the worst Catholic ever. Since last Easter, Emmy has lost both her beloved dog and one of her grandmothers. She understand to the best of her ability what death and dying means. She is still often coming to terms with it. And I think that telling her about Jesus rising from the dead will give her a hope when it comes to Braddock and her Mimi. Yes, we could explain that it is something only Jesus could do. But in the mind of a four year old, she might still hold on to a sliver of hope. And I don't want to keep crushing her by reminding her that Mimi and Braddock are indeed gone forever.
It may not be the best decision, but it is the one I feel most comfortable with given that the death of her Mimi is still so fresh and recent. There will be plenty of time and years to describe the wonder and amazement of Jesus' rising from the dead.
The other reason I'm writing about religion today, is because even though I might not be the best Catholic, Good Friday is such a holy day and I always pay it its due reverence. Before I had kids, I wouldn't speak from the hours of 12-3, when Jesus was hanging on the cross. I spent that time either in prayer or cleaning. I never did anything fun or social with my friends that night. Obviously once I had kids, I could no longer spend those hours in silence, though I think Emmy might enjoy that. So instead I will be 'Internet silent' tomorrow. No blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting, or Instagraming. I will spend the day in prayer, doing things with the girls, readying our house and minds for Easter.
So even though I will be shielding Emmy from some of the bigger things this year, I will still be holding this holiday close to my heart.
Have you ever withheld something from your kids to make their lives a little easier? How will you be honoring Jesus on Good Friday?
There are two reasons I'm writing about my religion today, and they both have to do with the upcoming Easter holiday.
Emmy is at an age where she can start to understand what the true meaning of these holidays are all about. At Christmas time this year, both at home and at school, we emphasized that Santa is indeed fun, as are presents, but the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. She knows who Jesus is, along with Mary, Joseph, and of course God.
And while Easter is the pinnacle of our faith, I'm really hesitant to talk to her much about the true meaning of this holiday. We've talked about the Easter bunny, coloring eggs, and spending time with family. But I have yet to touch on what the day is really about...and this year I don't think I'm going to.
Now hear me out before you think I'm just about the worst Catholic ever. Since last Easter, Emmy has lost both her beloved dog and one of her grandmothers. She understand to the best of her ability what death and dying means. She is still often coming to terms with it. And I think that telling her about Jesus rising from the dead will give her a hope when it comes to Braddock and her Mimi. Yes, we could explain that it is something only Jesus could do. But in the mind of a four year old, she might still hold on to a sliver of hope. And I don't want to keep crushing her by reminding her that Mimi and Braddock are indeed gone forever.
It may not be the best decision, but it is the one I feel most comfortable with given that the death of her Mimi is still so fresh and recent. There will be plenty of time and years to describe the wonder and amazement of Jesus' rising from the dead.
The other reason I'm writing about religion today, is because even though I might not be the best Catholic, Good Friday is such a holy day and I always pay it its due reverence. Before I had kids, I wouldn't speak from the hours of 12-3, when Jesus was hanging on the cross. I spent that time either in prayer or cleaning. I never did anything fun or social with my friends that night. Obviously once I had kids, I could no longer spend those hours in silence, though I think Emmy might enjoy that. So instead I will be 'Internet silent' tomorrow. No blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting, or Instagraming. I will spend the day in prayer, doing things with the girls, readying our house and minds for Easter.
So even though I will be shielding Emmy from some of the bigger things this year, I will still be holding this holiday close to my heart.
Have you ever withheld something from your kids to make their lives a little easier? How will you be honoring Jesus on Good Friday?
I haven't encountered this yet as J is so little. However it is something to reflect on for the future! Sounds like you are keeping your child's best interests at heart!
ReplyDeleteAh I have had many conversations about this topic and get many gasps when I tell people that my husband and I don't do Santa or the Easter Bunny or any of that. My husband was brought up in a very religious home (Christian) and he just doesn't believe in it. He wants to teach our children the true meaning right from the start. I think you have to do what's best for your kids. You have a good point here with how much loss you all have experienced lately, it might be good to let it pass this year.
ReplyDeleteWe're not really religious so we're just doing the eggs and ham on Easter.
ReplyDeleteYou know what Mandy, that's smart to leave out the reason why we celebrate Easter with Emmy. I honestly feel that it would paint a picture in her head that the way Jesus died is the way her Grandma died, which would be so horrible for her to have to think about (even though it's not true.) Waiting another year won't hurt her. And you aren't a bad Catholic for doing that! Just a caring mom :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm so glad you opened up and told us about your Easter plans. I'm REALLY new to the whole "religion thing" so we're keeping it pretty secular this year. I'll go to Easter service but I don't think the family is coming with me.
ReplyDeletePeter was Catholic, but stopped participating before we met. I've been pretty much nothing my whole life but felt something calling me to the community that church creates. I'm still very tentatively weeding my way through Christianity but I'm excited to read others' viewpoints.
For me, I think it's perfectly OK to do both secular and religious (or either...or neither) holiday celebrations. There are fun parts and serious parts, and kids will benefit from learning how to enjoy something and how to revere it at the same time. Does that make sense?
Your reasoning for keeping things all Bunny this year are commendable. Your daughters won't be harmed by being shielded for another year :-)
Maybe the girls are too young, but our Catholic faith says that we too, will rise from the dead like Jesus did, in glorified bodies just like Him. While this would not happen to Mimi 3 days after her death, it will happen one day. Perhaps Emm is too young to grasp this, but when you do talk about this, this is the approach I would take.... And thus is why we celebrate Easter as well.... Without Christ's Resurrection this would not be possible for any of us.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing the right thing with your daughter. You don't want to bombard her with all these words and ideas until she can fully understand the meaning. And it's great how you've modernized your Good Friday practices for the 21st century. I might borrow that idea.
ReplyDeleteI honk no one can ever fault you for doing what you feel is best for your children. God made you to be the bet mother they could ever have. Trust the instincts he gives you
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