Egg Hunt Metaphor

   This year, Elliot dyed almost all of the Easter eggs.  It was a bittersweet moment for me, being acutely aware of the change that occurs when children develop into capable, independent beings.  There is less participation needed from me.  I become an observer.  Yet while watching his small hands work carefully with the delicate shells and hearing the excitement in his voice as white transformed into brilliant color, I couldn't help being happy.  Several things were going on during this moment.  As he dipped and dried each egg, he was developing a joy for artistic process while discovering the magic, feel-good energy of holiday preparations.


And in the morning, the joy of discovery on his face sent a thrill to my heart.  The moment reminded me that he's still a little guy who believes in magic.  And I am so thankful for that. Because sometime soon, he will grow into the realism stage, seeking scientific explanations to guide his journey.

Elliot believes in the unseen.
And when children are encouraged to believe in magical, unseen events and personalities, they construct the basic structure for the foundation of their religious faith. 

An egg hunt teaches that there are treasures to be found on our path, given to us by God who is unseen. Our walk of faith includes many gifts hidden along the way for our discovery.  Sometimes the gifts are in plain view, while others are discovered after years of seeking.