Easter makes me think of childhood… sunrise services on Easter morning followed by food and fellowship on the church lawn… my Grandmother in the kitchen days in advance prepping desserts and finger foods for family events… and social functions in town.

The most memorable event was always our family Easter egg hunt at Aunt Helen’s. I would walk through her kitchen door to see every counter space and table filled with dishes of food. Aunt Helen made every kind of casserole and dessert you can imagine.

After lunch, the children — me, too, of course — would scramble to find the golden money egg. Uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and lot and lots of cousins would all be there. These were people I hadn’t seen all year. Having the opportunity to visit with everyone helped make Easter a special day.

The fun didn’t end after the egg hunt. We would all enjoy volley ball games, horse shoes, swimming, and so much more. There was always something for everyone to do and plenty of food left for afternoon snacks.

We no longer have those large family gatherings out at Aunt Helen’s. As we’ve all grown and have families of our own, we have begun to create our own traditions… always with an eye and a heart for keeping the memory of the old alive for a new generation.

The past three years have really challenged me to step back and slow down. This year, my family will be hiking to a secluded spot to share a delicious picnic. I plan to spend time enjoying the beauty God has given us and reflecting on the real reason we celebrate this season.

The Easter of my childhood has long passed, and we’ve made new traditions over the years. Just as I know more traditions … changing ever so slightly with each changing season… will be made by those to come. With that in mind, I leave you with a spicy take to an age old classic.

Happy Easter. HE has risen!

Sheena Ann Tullos