I led them out back. The early morning clouds and fog broke as we walked and by the time we arrived at our destination the sun was warm in our backs. The church has a community garden and a large grassy plot of land that butts up against the creek. I crouched near the ground and the children gathered around me.
"This is going to be a little serious." I told them just a drop above a whisper.
"Has anyone had a pet die?" Hands went up.
"Has anyone had a human die? Someone in your family or a friend?" Hands.
My eyes connected with each child who has raised hands. There was a knowing connection between us.
"It is so sad when someone dies or when a pet dies...When that happens we often will bring their body to a beautiful garden like this and we dig a hole and put them in the ground. And then, we can come and visit that place to be near them.
When Jesus died, his friends brought him to a place like this and they put him in a place but they couldn't finish because there was a holiday and they had to leave. But there were some women who loved him and they wanted to come back and finish. They were so sad."
You could have heard a pin drop.
They leaned in to listen to my quiet voice.
"They came to the place where they had left him but he wasn't there and they became worried that someone had taken his body away. And that made them even sadder.
But suddenly, angels appeared. They told the women that Jesus wasn't there because he was alive. They were so surprised and a little afraid. So they walked around the garden and they saw... Jesus!! They were so happy."
Smiles curled onto all the faces. Eyes bright.
"Here in this garden Jesus is hiding and I want you to find him. But there's not just Jesus. Do you remember our sheep from the God shepherd story? They got out of their box and got into this garden and Jesus doesn't leave one single sheep behind so we also have to find 5 sheep and we can't leave here until we have them all. "
Kids scattered far and wide frantically looking for Jesus and the sheep. Every time one was found we cheered and danced and threw a little party. And when all were found we brought them home to our Sunday school room and placed them safely in the box. We ate snacks and listened to hymns and painted eggs.
And I soaked in Easter.
I've been in church my whole life.
I love Easter. It is my favorite holiday. I got engaged on Easter. I baptized my children at Easter.
And yet.
This humble morning, with these 11 little faces who took in the story so fully in a sun drenched garden with flowers opening and dew on the grass. It was the gospel alone. No bells or whistles or hymns or trumpets.
Just children looking for Jesus in a garden.
I will cherish it always.
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