A New Appreciation for Easter

My twins were born on Easter last year and since that time I've grown a much deeper appreciation for the holiday. I grew up Catholic and continue to practice, so the celebration of the resurrection isn't lost on me. It's just that the day means even more now.

Previously, Easter was a time of religious celebration, focusing on the importance of Christ and his resurrection, painting eggs, choking down those yellow sugar marshmallow rabbits, etc. However, as the holiday comes and I prepare for the first birthday of my twins (my oldest child is also turning 4 years old this month!) I can't help but to see it as their day as much as anything else.

I know it's not blasphemous because Easter falls on different days depending on the year, while their birthday is a set day. I also mark Easter as both the day that my family grew from three to five people and I became the father of three daughters. It was the day I became a "rich man," to quote a friend of mine. After joking about the dust in my wallet, I came to agree with him that this growth of my family was a new beginning for me too and that I'm blessed with the richness of three great children and an awesome wife (not to mention a great sister, parents, extended family and friends).

My wife and daughters are surely a winning lottery ticket in life – four picks on one ticket, that is. I have to thank God and Jesus for that blessing.

So upon about a year of reflection I can say that I'm cashing that lottery ticket in and savoring the blessing Easter has brought, both the earthly and spiritual. May others enjoy Easter that much. That's my take.