creating experiences

We’ve been trying to learn why we celebrate Easter this week by doing some kind of Easter activity each day.  There have been a few experiences that have been more powerful for me than I expected.  Wednesday we watched this video together and I was surprised at the emotion that I felt.  The images of Christ’s death have always been powerful to me, but it was different watching it with Cooper.  I almost wanted to protect him from seeing the cruel way our Savior was treated, not knowing if he would understand.  He was very reverent and somber and knew as he saw Him hanging on the cross that it would be ok because He would live again.  The way he explained it to me was so simple and clear.  He knew that Jesus prayed in the garden and that it hurt Him, but He did it for us.  He knew that there were mean people who didn’t love Jesus and put him on a cross to die.  Then He was put into the tomb (which is kind of like a cave).  Mary came to find Him and He was gone.  Mary went to get her friends to help her find Jesus.  He understood that Christ was alive again.  None of this was scary or confusing, it was easy and tender, just the way it should be.  I feel those emotions deep inside when I think about the suffering my Savior went through on my behalf.  All the frustration, hurt and pain I feel He understands on a very personal level seeing as He has felt it all before.  I know the Cooper doesn’t understand the depth of Christ’s suffering, but I’m grateful for his simple testimony of the atonement.

Yesterday the Easter activity was to go visit the temple, to walk around the grounds and go through the visitor’s center.  I’ve never done that with my kids and I was really looking forward to this trip.  The day started off rough.  I can see now that Mr.. Satan did not want this activity to take place.  Cooper and I were butting heads from the moment we got out of bed.  I think Denten was a little afraid to leave for work, fearing for either safety or sanity, or both.  A little prayer to regroup and we carried on.  I’m so glad we did as the experience was everything I hoped for. 

The flowers at the temple are gorgeous and did you know they have strawberry plants out there?  And that you can just pick them and eat them?  Everyone had strawberry juice dripping down their little chins, it was terrific!  We went through the visitor’s center and Cooper enjoyed manning the computer that turned on short videos for us.  There is a room that has large murals depicting Christ’s life and it was fun to have Cooper go around the room telling us about each one and what was happening, ending with the resurrection. 

The highlight was rounding the corner to where the Christos statue stood.  It was as if the kids understood the reverence necessary as they were so peaceful and quiet.  Seneca pointed up and said, “Jesus” and I wondered for a minute if we talk about Him enough at home for her to know who He is or if a little part of her innocent self remembers Him.  Beckham smiled hugely and pointed up as well.  I couldn’t help the emotion I felt at my children’s reaction to their Savior.  Cooper noticed the nail prints in His hands and feet and just wanted to sit for a minute.  I need moments like that every now and then to know that despite the fact that I fall short of being a great mom most of the time, my children have not lost the ability to feel the spirit when given the opportunity.

We then ventured outside for a picnic.  It was so fabulous outside, completely perfect weather.  Seneca tried to find the birds she could hear in the trees, Beckham tried to eat everyone else’s lunch when they weren’t looking and Cooper kept finding treasures he thought we needed to take home.  It was so great to just wander the grounds and not be in a rush to get anywhere.  Daytrip: success. 

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