A few years ago when my nieces had become teenagers, my sister-in-law embarked on a major change in their Easter morning tradition. Instead of hiding plastic eggs with candy or coins, she decided to hide something more meaningful to them - their electronics! She pilfered their cell phones, the remotes to the video games, their hand-held games, their iPods, the TV and DVD remotes, the computer mouse and power supply... everything that made noise, took batteries and otherwise left them lost in their own world.
Her initial intent was to give herself some peace and quiet Easter morning while the kids grumbled to hunt down where she had hidden their "treasures." With three kids and a husband serving in the middle east, she needed the treasured quiet too.
But there was something of more value that arose from this little idea. First, why are their electronic do-dads their "treasures"? In fact, why do kids hunt for chocolate, candy and plastic eggs allegedly hidden by a rabbit? Easter is about Christ's overcoming the cross and His Resurrection. Is HE not the treasure we should seek Easter morning?
Another discovery the family quickly discovered, the joy of spending some time together - away from the electronic distractions we have in this world. More and more often, I've been hearing stories of how people "unplug" from the internet and iPhones, how they've discovered the benefits of slowing down their life, interacting with others face-to-face, and seeing the sunset or sunrise in person instead of via webcam or while on the road. This was the first time in their young lives when they were truly unplugged, and they discovered - after the traumatic (and melodramatic) withdrawal from technology - they enjoyed spending time with each other ~ together.
Perhaps that is an Easter tradition many should start. Hide the technology and enjoy the moments shared face-to-face with each other.
Happy Hunting!
Happy Easter
Blessings to you all!
- ESA
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