Ten days before Easter Sunday, I received a call from the owner/manager of Sandringham House Rest Home, who informed me that she was inviting the children from the Oamaru Baptist Church to the Easter egg hunt she was organising.
The invitation surprised me, yet at the same time, delighted me by the opportunity for our kids not only to enjoy the egg hunt but also to have the chance to see the rest home, which is just a few metres from the church, and perhaps meet the residents, staff, and management.
Oamaru Baptist Church and the Sandringham Street Rest Home, though having different building numbers, No. 12 and 14, respectively, are located in the same compound and share a driveway.
To celebrate the joyful spirit of Resurrection Day, I requested parents to help their children create Easter greeting cards for our wonderful residents. It’s a lovely way to show our appreciation and spread the message.
The Easter weekend was rainy, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers or the participants. The Easter egg hunt event proceeded as planned.
As anticipated in any children’s game, the Easter egg hunt inspired excitement and joy as they uncovered the colourful chocolate eggs and other hidden “treasures.”
I was told that when the children were asked about the meaning of “Easter,” they responded that it celebrates the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Indeed, this significant event, which occurs on the third day following his crucifixion, signifies hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. This is the truth that the young and old of the Baptist Church believe in and consistently celebrate.
Observing children enjoying the Easter egg hunt at a rest home, one might easily reflect that the children are catching a glimpse of their future, while the residents are cherishing memories of their childhood years.
However, we must look beyond the physical frailty that old age brings and the energy that the younger years offer, because after all, no one knows when and how our lives on earth will end.
What I reflected on from the joint Easter event at the rest home is how our Lord Jesus Christ has endowed resurrection and eternal life to all, the young and the old.
It is our prayer that through the simple greeting cards, our children have imparted hope and joy to the residents, that among the many joys of Easter, the promise of a resurrected life for all who believe stands out.
I am reminded of the old-time children’s chorus that says,
The time to be happy now
The time to be happy here
And the way to be happy is to make others happy
And to have a little heaven down here.
We appreciate the management of Sandringham House Rest Home for inviting us to the Easter Egg Hunt event and for creating a “little heaven” at No. 12 and No. 14 Sandringham Street this Resurrection Sunday.
To God be the glory!
PHOTO CREDIT: Sandringham House Rest Home FB page
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