A Norman Rockwell Easter plan becomes an ‘I Love Lucy’ episode

I fantasize about a Norman Rockwell life. But I live in a Lucille Ball “I Love Lucy” world. There are times when I wish I could change the channel.

There is one Easter more than a few years ago that brings to mind an episode that I’d like to forget. Grandsons Luke and Joshua would probably want to wipe it from their memory banks too. They had come for a visit to our home during spring break, and living out in the country as we do, it’s a great place to hide Easter eggs. Now understand, the grandkids know the season is about Jesus, not bunnies and chocolate, but they still loved coloring hardboiled eggs for the hunt.

In my mind’s eye, I pictured an idyllic egg hunt that Easter afternoon. Luke and Joshua would happily skip about in the warm sunshine, gathering perfectly colored eggs one by one. There would be smiles and giggles bubbling forth from their cherubic faces. Baskets would overflow with eggs and goodwill.

My first inkling that the idealistic picture I’d painted might be smudged a bit came from a foreboding announcement.

“Looks like there’s a storm on the way,” Grandpa Bill had said as he scanned the morning newspaper. “They’re predicting rain and high winds, even snow in the mountains.”

By mid-afternoon, the rain had finally stopped, and we headed out into gale-force winds to retrieve the carefully hidden eggs. Baskets swayed and hair stood on end as we clutched our coats tightly. Still, nothing could dampen the grandkids’ enthusiasm — at least not yet — as they raced ahead.

“I see one!” 3-year old Joshua shouted as he sped toward a pale blue egg nestled under a bush. “It’s mine!”

Just as the toddler was within inches of his destination, our dog swooped in for the prize. I watched the Norman Rockwell scene dissolve into a flood of tears as another scream erupted from the other corner of the lawn.

“Bebe just took my egg too!” 5-year old Luke shouted as he hurriedly grabbed another one just out of the dog’s reach.

I watched the developing chaos while Grandpa Bill snapped photos and our daughter tried to calm Joshua. In spite of the drama, my laughter rose above the clamor. It was turning into another “Lucy” episode and a truer-toreality American snapshot. The egg count: Dog — 5, Luke — 2, Joshua — 0.

Now, thinking back on that egg hunt and inclement weather, it certainly wasn’t the vision I had for the day. My Norman Rockwell scene was going to be perfect — but it wasn’t.

In many ways, it’s similar to what can happen in our daily lives. Plans go awry, an irritation occurs or the day hands us a setback, and it’s easy to let it mar our happiness. Life hasn’t met our expectations.

That’s why this verse in Philippians is a good one to keep in mind: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” (Phil 4:8 LB)

In the big picture, don’t let anything steal your joy.

The United Congregational Christian Church will hold an Easter worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by an Easter egg hunt at 11:30 a.m.

The church will also hold weekly confirmation classes for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders as well as adults in Plymouth Room at 9 a.m. Sundays.

The classes will focus on the church’s theology, Bible history and visits to other churches.

The church will also host master gardeners Kelley Gelderman and Sherida Phibbs, who will speak about gardening in the sanctuary after worship on Sunday.

United Congregational

The Home Church will hold a weekly Bible study class featuring David Jeremiah’s DVD series, “What Are You Afraid Of ?”

Taking place at 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, the class includes scriptures on topics including the fear of natural calamities, serious illness, financial collapse, failure and being alone.

All Stars for Jesus, a Bible study and music program for youths, will also be offered, along with babysitting for preschool-aged children.

The Home Church is located at 11451 N. Ham Lane, Lodi. For more information, call 209-339-7333 or visit