beauty in waning traditions

First of all, Happy Birthday to my most amazing Aunt Deb!

Easter was so different this year. While we partook in the traditional Easter taco feast, there were no tiny children running around searching for eggs, and my almost-grown babies did not wish to participate in any such adventure. We didn't even color eggs this year. I relaxed about it this time around, which leads me to question how much of the holiday tradition - Easter baskets, coloring eggs, dressing up for dinner, the egg hunt - is actually for me, the momma who likes to plan (what she thinks is) fun stuff. You think you do these things for your kids, but really, who is it for? Certainly not Jesus. If not for Jesus and if not for the children who breathe a sigh of relief when they are off the hook, then it must be for me.

There are new traditions to be made in place of the little-kid ones that we've known and loved (most recently, that I've known and loved). I just haven't figured them out yet. The new traditions will not be for me, they will be for all of us to enjoy. I shall think about this, but I wonder if the traditions will develop on their own as we go? Sort of like Easter tacos?

This year has been filled with incredible learning experiences. It's been such a time of growth and change, positive change. Everywhere I look it seems that there is a lesson to be learned. One thing that I'm figuring out is that there are times when it's better to "let it be," (my new mantra I've been using as necessary) and there are times when it is absolutely necessary to take control (my favorite Nike theme of "Just do it" that I've also been using as necessary). There is a balance in life, a natural ebb and flow of needing to be on your game and needing to chill. Being comfortable with that balance? well, first finding that balance and THEN being comfortable with it, is quite tricky.

This blip is of a card game I played with my 16 year old daughter who specially requested a step away from childhood tradition but felt out of sorts all day. I don't know if there is a connection there, but it's possible. This holiday was a symbol of her departure from childhood, of the change afoot. Change is SO good, but change is SO scary.

This is my 92nd blip!