Snails and Easter

“It must be snail season,” I thought as I almost stepped on my third snail this week. While I don’t think we have a snail season in Virginia, I do notice more snails on my walks in March and April. With the warmer temperatures and rainy days of spring, snails tend to be more active. My favorite surprises, snails remind me to slow down and embrace a different pace this time of year. The rest of the world speeds up with sports seasons, yard work, end-of-school projects, and even upcoming summer preparations. It can be easy to fall into that pace and if I’m honest, some days I do.

However, the snail’s pace speaks to my soul. 

“Slow down. Savor the journey. 

You can choose your speed this spring.”

I can’t think of a more timely message as we walk into the week before Easter, Holy Week. That’s why we’ve prepared four tips (and lots of practical steps) for slowing down this week before Easter. 

You get to pick your pace, so why not make it more like the snail?

4 Tips for Slowing Down this Holy Week

1. A Simpler Schedule: 

– Slow down this week by saying “No” to some of your usual activities, so that you can make more time to prepare for the heart behind the holiday. 

– Prioritize evening meals, discussions, and time to connect with your family and Jesus. 

2. Sit and Savor

– Read through the story of Jesus (specifically the crucifixion and resurrection) alone or with your family. Or complete a reading plan on YouVersion like this one by the Bible Project.

– Read children’s books about the true meaning of Easter, like The Legend of the Easter Egg, My Easter Basket and the True Story of Easter, The Parable of the Lily, or Easter Love Letter from God.

– Share a Maundy Thursday meal or communion. On the Thursday before Jesus was arrested, he and his disciples shared the Last Supper. Create your own simple meal with your family or attend a Maundy Thursday service at a local church. Talk about its significance with your kids and how as Jesus’ followers we should model Christ’s humility and service to others.

3. Consider the Sacrifice 

– Reflect and remember the suffering Jesus took on the cross for your sins. Spend time confessing your sins and receive the cleansing grace given at the cross. 

– With kids: Watch the movie The Lion of Judah or illustrate Jesus’ forgiveness with a bowl of flour. Have them write their sins in the flour with their fingers, and then as you wipe it clean discuss how Jesus died so our sins would be wiped clean. 

– For older children or adults: Consider fasting from sunrise to sunset on Good Friday and/or watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ.

4. Celebrate the Savior 

– Attend a church service on Resurrection Sunday. Jesus’ story didn’t end on the cross. He rose again, conquering death, so that we could have eternal life and a relationship with the Father. 

– Fill your Easter baskets with more than candy. Consider devotionals, children’s books about Jesus, faith-based stickers, or other reminders of God’s promises. 

– Let children help you create a center piece for your table of the empty tomb, using items from nature. (see pictures below). 

– Make resurrection rolls for dinner or hide an empty egg as your grand prize egg for an egg hunt. 

– Share a meal with family. Consider inviting someone that might not have someone to share an Easter meal.