Motherhood and Easter: Finding Ourselves in the Highs and Lows of Holy Week

Ah, Easter. The scent of lilies, the joyful shouts of egg hunters, the sweet stickiness of jelly beans on little fingers. It’s a season bursting with spring’s renewal and the promise of new life. But as mothers, we know that even amidst the sunshine and smiles, life rarely unfolds in a straight line of uninterrupted joy. There are tantrums alongside triumphs, sleepless nights followed by moments of pure, unadulterated love.

And that’s where, in the heart of the Easter story, I find a profound and unexpected connection to the very essence of motherhood: the emotional rollercoaster.

Think about it. The week leading up to Easter, what we call Holy Week, is a whirlwind of emotions for Jesus and his followers. It's a story brimming with soaring highs and devastating lows, a narrative that mirrors the unpredictable terrain of raising children in ways that might surprise you.

The Palm Sunday Parade: Our Little Victories

Just like we beam with pride watching our little ones achieve a milestone – a first step, a beautifully sung song, a moment of unexpected kindness – imagine the elation of Palm Sunday. Jesus, hailed as a king, enters Jerusalem to cheers and waving palms. It’s a moment of triumph, a public affirmation of hope and potential. It’s the kind of moment that makes our hearts swell as we witness our children shine. Imagine the joy in Jesus as he saw so many smiling faces and joyful hearts.

But as any mother knows, those glorious moments can be fleeting. The joy of a successful potty training week can be followed by a messy accident. The pride in a good report card can be tempered by a playground squabble.

Matthew 21:8-9: "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spreadthem on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"

The Last Supper: The Preciousness of Connection

Then comes the Last Supper, a scene of deep intimacy and shared love. Jesus gathers with his closest friends, sharing a meal, offering words of comfort and instruction. It’s reminiscent of those precious moments we cherish with our families – the bedtime stories, the shared laughter around the dinner table, the feeling of being utterly connected to the little hearts we hold so dear. These are the moments that fuel us, the anchors in the storm of daily life.

Yet, even in these intimate moments, there’s an undercurrent of sadness, a foreshadowing of what’s to come. Just as we sometimes feel a pang of melancholy watching our children grow, knowing that each stage, while beautiful, also means letting go of the last.

Matthew 26:26-28: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

The Garden of Gethsemane: The Weight of Responsibility

The Garden of Gethsemane is perhaps the most relatable moment for a mother’s heart. Jesus, facing immense suffering, wrestles with fear and doubt. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, a burden so heavy it brings him to his knees.

As mothers, we too often carry invisible burdens. The worry for our children’s well-being, the constant juggling of responsibilities, the feeling that we must be everything for everyone. There are moments of overwhelming exhaustion, where we plead for a moment of respite, a glimmer of reassurance.

Matthew 26:39-42: "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?' he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. A second time he went away and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'"  

The Betrayal and Crucifixion: The Deepest Heartache

The betrayal, the arrest, the trial, and ultimately, the crucifixion – these are the deepest lows of Holy Week. They represent unimaginable pain and loss. While we pray we never experience such profound suffering, we understand the sharp sting of disappointment, the ache of a child’s hurt, the fear that grips us when our loved ones face hardship. There are times when our hearts feel like they are breaking alongside theirs.

Mark 15:37: "With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."

The Empty Tomb: The Unforeseen Hope

But the story doesn’t end there. The darkness of Good Friday gives way to the glorious light of Easter morning. The empty tomb signifies the ultimate triumph over despair, the promise of new beginnings, and the power of hope.

And isn’t that the very essence of motherhood? Even in the midst of the toughest days, the most challenging phases, there is always the potential for renewal, for growth, for unexpected joy. A tearful morning can turn into an afternoon filled with giggles. A seemingly insurmountable obstacle can be overcome with newfound strength.

Matthew 28:5-6: "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'"

Finding Our Strength in the Story

This Easter, as we celebrate the resurrection and the new life it brings, let’s also take a moment to recognize the echoes of our own motherhood journey within the story of Holy Week. The highs and lows, the moments of intense joy and profound sadness, the constant ebb and flow of emotions – they are all part of the beautiful, messy, and ultimately miraculous experience of raising children.

Just as Motherhood offers countless moments of light and love that pierce through the challengessdoes Holy Week offer the ultimate hope after a week of darkness. We are resilient, we are strong, and just like the promise of Easter, we carry within us the unwavering hope for a brighter tomorrow for our families.

Happy Easter, mamas. May your day be filled with joy, love, and the comforting knowledge that even in the valleys, the mountaintop is always within reach.