The Hope of Easter

One of my parenting mentors used to look forward to his kids messing up. He would wait with expectation for his little kids' moral failures, knowing those were the moments to connect the dots between their sin and Christ's death and resurrection. He said we should expect our kids to commit every "crime short of murder," and when it comes, not to respond with shock or outrage. Instead of saying, "I'm horrified and disappointed that you've soiled the Jones family name!" we should wait until their defense has tired and their regret has set in, draw them close, and say, "I'm not shocked. I don't think you're a terrible person. I knew this day would come, and I'm thankful that now you can understand why we celebrate Easter." Consequences, yes, but seasoned with the hope of Easter.

I think of that every year at this time. I actually think of it all year long, each time my own moral failures hit. After I'm done making excuses and justifications, when I'm finished berating myself and wallowing in shame, I lift my head out of the pit and think to myself, "And this is why I'm thankful for Easter."