This Time of Year

This time of year
Used to be about baskets and bunnies
Malted-milk balls and creme eggs
And green tinsel strewn on the floor
 
This time of year
Used to be about cantata practice
Studying for exams and speeches
And finishing projects last-minute
 
This time of year
Used to be about giving up chocolate
Or TV or meat, giving up whatever's a treat
Depriving myself because it's Lent
 
But now
 
This time of year
Isn't really much different
I'm trying to live in a world
Where it's Easter everyday
Where I'm secure enough
In the love of the Father
That I can remember the cross
And still celebrate
 
The victory.
 
I don't mean there's never shame.
I don't mean every day is great
But when you know that even death
Can be conquered,
The little things don't matter as much.
 
And more of the things I used to do
Suddenly seem
Like little things.