Passover

We've taken a lot of flack for some of the decisions we've made in regards to traditional holiday- uh traditions. Decisions I'm glad we've made when I see how nose out of joint people have gotten, when they hear we aren't doing them. Like the fact that we quit putting up a Christmas tree several years ago. I don't miss it one bit. Our celebrations have only gotten sweeter and more meaningful with out the big green thing hogging up a corner of the living room. We've never done Easter eggs or baskets. When the candy goes on sale, I buy a bag at the grocery store every few weeks, and carefully dole it out. The Bunny however does not visit our house. These are some of the decisions for *our* family. Each family is different, and should be doing as they feel led. I'm not going to tell you you are right or wrong, that's none of my business. Just thought I'd put that out there for starters.

I've been wanting to do Passover for several years, but for whatever reason, it never happened. Until this year, when I saw Ann's post, and began immediate planning for a Christian Passover.

We've been to one before at my in-laws church, but I wanted something for just us, so we could answer the questions of pondering children and take the time to explain the background of tradition. I warned the kids ahead of time that they might not like the taste of some of the things we ate. But we weren't eating to fill up, we were eating to remember. No faces were made or comments were spoken. (except by Beans, who in his opinion wasn't getting enough Matzo and horseradish. Yes, you read that right.)

Good Friday was quickly turning into one of those days. Trying to make a special meal, and gather everything together for our Seder and have everything ready and cleaned up, so we could head out the door in time for our churches Good Friday Service. A most fitting end to our day.

Little things kept popping up as the day went along though, that perhaps were only noticeable to me in my overly active, pregnancy induced, imagination, but reminded me that this was a right and good idea. Discovering lamb shank bones- needed for the Seder plate- were out of my price range, I settled on the reduced for quick sale lamb chop that appeared to be boneless. (B. loves lamb chops, and I only buy them on sale, and just for him). I discovered upon taking it out of the package to cook that had a beautiful long bone in it. God provided what I could not find. Just as he provided the atonement for our sins, that we could not find.

I made meatloaf for myself and the Littles. Something we're not the biggest fans of, but could be made using ingredients I already had. I was a bit grossed out by the fat that had oozed out of it while baking. Until I was reminded of the fat that ran out of the burnt offerings sacrificed on the alters of old. And that it was good.

Even when I was looking for my brass candle holder, and couldn't find it. I grabbed one of my glass star shaped ones. And realized it was shaped like the Star of David. A further reminder of our Jewish Messiah.

A beautiful afternoon Seder, with little ones gathered around, and excited to ask their appointed questions. I look forward to next year.