Resurrection Sunday

Passing the nail, remembering what we are thankful for

April 12

Resurrection Sunday! Such a beautiful Day. We may not have been able to go to church. We may not have been able to worship corporately, and it may have rained all day. But, it was such a beautiful day. The day was smooth and stress-free. I saw God moving in so many ways it was hard to pick just one, but as I prayed, the thing that kept returning was what happened around the dinner table. Many years ago I found a replica of a Roman nail. It was said to be of a similar weight and size of the nail that pierced the hands and feet of Jesus. Each year we would pass the nail around the table, reflect on all He has done for us, and tell each other and God what we are thankful for. As my children were growing up, I was always trying to create memories and plant in their hearts the seeds of faith. Somehow, this year I forgot to get the nail out. But my sweet, nine-year-old granddaughter didn't! As we were finishing up our meal she said to me, Nanny, we haven't done my favorite part. She couldn't remember what the nail was called, but she remembered what it was for. So we all sat around the dining room table engaged in conversation, sharing what we were thankful for. It was beautiful. We shared, we talked, and we laughed. Sometimes I have felt like these traditions I have tried to create were not as highly regarded and loved by my family as I would have liked. They all love me, so they all support my sentimental traditions without complaint. My granddaughter asking to keep the tradition going warmed my heart. God reminded me that these moments of taking time to reflect and share, are one of the best parts of the holidays. He showed me that my family really does appreciate my sentimental traditions. He also showed me that I am not done being a mother and guiding my children, it just looks different. My deep desire to pass my faith down to the next generation is bearing fruit.