A Letter to Rose: It's Not About the Bunny

My dearest Rose,

It was so wonderful for us to be together on Easter! I am thrilled that you are speaking my name and ask for me from time to time. What a joy that is, to be known by you. . . and even more for us all to be known by God!

Speaking of God, I wanted to write to you to remind you of something very important about Easter. Easter is not about the Bunny. I hope this is not news to you.  Now I know we get all carried away with taking pictures with the Rabbit and hiding eggs (bunny eggs? No!) and all of that fun stuff, but Easter is about what God has done and is doing in our lives. You see, Rose, Jesus is God's son. His only son in the flesh, who came into the world to make sure that all of God's people (that means you and me and Mommy and Daddy and everyone else in the whole wide world) would know him. Just like you know my name and God knows our names, God wants every person in the world to know his name. To know someone's name is to know them deeply and have a relationship with them. The bunny is cute and all, but the bunny didn't do anything for us that required such a deep and abiding love.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that Jesus loves you and so do I! And he came into this world so that we would be free. You don't know what that means yet, but someday you will. Someday you will know the pain of sin and joy of being forgiven. Someday you will understand that there is darkness in the world (you won't like it but you'll recognize it) and you will know the light of Christ. This is the light that shines in and through you because of Jesus, because of your baptism.

Oh and one more thing. In the church on Easter we always get to shouting this really cool phrase because we are so exciting that God raised Jesus from the dead. Yes, that's what I said, he was dead and in a tomb after he was hanged on a cross almost 2000 years ago. But God did a miraculous thing: he made Jesus alive again. And not just for a few days or weeks or years, for ever and always! So in worship one person will say, "Christ is risen!" And then everyone else shouts back as loud as we want to show how happy we are, and we say, "Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!"

Why don't you try it? It's kind of fun actually!

Here's a picture of you, my darling girl, on Easter day.

See you soon,

Your Godmother -Aunt Amy

A Letter to Rose: On Being a Sister

My beautiful niece, Rose, and handsome nephew, Will.

Dear Rose,

Look how fast you are growing up! You are already so smart and beautiful that I simply cannot imagine what God has in store for your life. Maybe you'll be a pharmacist like your Daddy, or a teacher like Uncle Jeff, or a Speech Pathologist like your Mama. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and drive, and we have seen already just how persistent you can be when you want something. (That's a good thing, by the way!)

There is one thing though, sweet girl, that you will always be. Your life changed when Will was born and it took on new meaning, even if you haven't considered it that way quite yet. Forever and always you will be a "big sister." This is something new in our family. Your mom is a little sister, I am a little sister, Anna and Ashley are both little sisters. Even Grandma Little is a younger sister. But you, you're special! You, my dear, are a BIG SISTER.

So what does this mean, you might wonder? Well it means that you are a natural born leader, first of all. We've seen this already in the way you ask us to play with you and how you know your own mind, even at such a young age. More than likely you will grow up and be the one that others go to for advice, to lead, and to be in charge. But be careful, little one, there's a fine line between leadership and being bossy. Most of your friends might fuss at you if you get too bossy. Will might fuss at you if you get too bossy, but he will certainly look up to you and appreciate your presence in his life as he gets older. You will give him opportunities that you haven't even thought about, just by going first. In school the teachers will know you and they will accept him, because he's your brother. They will expect him to be just as smart and kind and wonderful as you are! In sports you will help him develop his skills just by playing with him in the backyard. He will be your first best friend! And you will be his. And for your whole lives you will trust each other to tell the truth when it needs to be told, to be each other's biggest fan, and to be there for one another whenever you are in need.

As an oldest child, dear Rose, your confidence will shine through and your intelligence will serve you well in this world. You have so much to look forward to, so take advantage of every opportunity that intrigues you. I know you will do well. And, as your godmother, it is my job to remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus. He will never leave you and when you pray to him he will answer your deepest needs.

So, you're almost two, little lady! We are all so proud of you and love you very much. Keep up the good work! Be a good sister and teach Will everything you know, okay?

Love,

Aunt Amy