This Easter is a little different for me, and it has definitely been a blessing in disguise. Recently, Ellis and I have had to cut back quite a bit to make our financial ends meet, so that has mean a lot of sacrificing of the extraneous parts of our life. Because of this, coupled with the fact our closest family members are in Washington, we decided to take this Easter as a simple day to ourselves to be able to remember what the holiday is actually about: Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins and rising again so we could live forever with Him. So today's plans consist of sleeping in late, spending family time in the morning, making a breakfast at home, then probably going on a local hike or to the dog park to let our furry kids enjoy the day as well. I truly feel like the circumstances leading up to this have taught me a lesson in some perspective, that I needed to learn, or at least be reminded of again.
For example, this is the first year in my life I haven't dyed Easter eggs. I've always been a stickler for traditions, but honestly, I didn't even think about it this year. It was just so out of the question in terms of frivolous spending that it never even crossed my mind. The surprising part to me is that the fact that I actually forgot about one of my "beloved" traditions. After some thinking and some piecing together of a couple other hard things going on in my life,* I've come to the conclusion that even though on the outside I felt like I was really making a change in not being so focused on "things of this earth", my mental state has been just as burdened by these wants and desires the whole time. Without as much money to go out and do things out of the house, I have been learning how to entertain myself with what already exists in my life, even the thoughts in my head (blog time!). However, extra time around the house means more time on the internet, aka Pinterest. I love the site but I have been daydreaming too much about what I want and desire versus focusing on what I already have and how that should make me happy. I am glad to be working on changing my mental state regarding this. But even what I've already done, really making an effort to correct the way I think as well as simplifying what material things I do need in my life, I feel humbled and grounded, and in a sense, cleansed. But that is what Easter is all about right? Rebirth and renewal.
*One of the hard things just happened last night. Someone went fishing in an uncovered fish tank, and we had to say goodbye to my beloved Mr. Beta. My first fish, been with me for almost a year and a half. His fins competed with those of show betas, and he was my most personable fish. He recognized me, showed off for me, and was tough as nails. Here's to you Beta, hope you can swim freely and eat all the little guppy babies you want in the big fish tank in the sky.
No comments:
Post a Comment