I have fond memories of Easter as a child. My sister and I would color eggs around the kitchen table, a setting nicely prepared by my mom with bowls of colored dyes, dipping utensils for the eggs and creative decals. It was an amazing time Saturday morning.

While we were inside, my dad was outside cutting the grass. That was a usual routine, but this Saturday, he would save some of the clippings. Later in the day, my sister and I would build freshly cut lawn “nests” throughout the backyard. Later, my mom and dad would go out and build some additional nests. They would  place eggs, candy and toys in the nests for the early Easter morning egg hunt.

That Easter tradition continued through our middle school years. Even though some of the fun became less engaging, my sister and I always looked forward to the coloring of the eggs and the early morning hunt, if for no other reason than it was a great tradition.

Janet and I continued a modified form of that tradition with our children. The early morning hunt on Easter Day became problematic given the nature of my work; I was always off to the church early. But, when I came home from church, Janet and I would hide eggs throughout the house, candy, toys and plastic eggs with coins inside. Colin, Karis and Robby really enjoyed the hunt. I think making some “cash” was an additional incentive.

Traditions are so important. It seems that we have to work harder than we did to keep traditions a priority. Society seems to mock tradition as outdated and irrelevant. To the contrary, I say. We need to remember on a regular basis. Traditions keep us together.

Easter is a great tradition. We remember what family really is because of Jesus’ victory over death. By faith in Jesus, we are fully members of God’s family. I will celebrate that truth every Easter Sunday and remind my family so. Oh, the coloring of eggs and the hunt seem to be over, at least for Janet and me. But just perhaps, the tradition may continue with our children when they have children. Such is the power of tradition.