Happy Easter

I’ve always loved Easter because it culminates a season that centers around Christ’s suffering and a season of fasting and sacrifice.  Easter represents the rising from the darkness and focuses on the light of Christ’s passion and what better season for this to occur than during the spring.  As the blossoms open and the bulbs start to bloom, the days become lighter and our spirit seems to uplift.  It’s a reminder that even through our darkest, most difficult times in our life, God is by our side and in the end, He will lift us up and we’ll become better and more beautiful through the suffering. 

As Jesus, stood, nailed to a cross, he was mocked and humiliated and treated like a criminal.  Not only that, his mother and friends had to watch this all occur, without any ability to change the course.  We can only imagine the physical agony of a slow death from piercings through your hands, feet and side but add that to the emotional suffering and feelings of abandonment at his most difficult moment and one realizes that whatever petty complaint or burden that I bear, pales by comparison.  Yet, 3 days later, he rose and returned to share the good news of forgiveness and God’s great plan.  It is through his great sacrifice, that I know that I will share in God’s glory some day and my spirit will join those that have gone before me.   It is because of this and because I do believe that God has a plan for all of us, that I do not fear death or dying.  That is the beauty of Easter Day.  It is all about the rising and the glory of God.  Easter is a time to rejoice, be thankful and reassured that all is forgiven and that life extends beyond the soil of this earth. 

I hope that each of us can spend this blessed day with those we love.  Whether it be through a phone call, a greeting or a meal together, may you feel God’s gentle touch and enjoy the light and freshness of this Easter Day and fresh start of spring.  Thanks again for all the prayer offerings and words of encouragement and wisdom that you have provided me during my journey. 

May all your prayers be answered and may you feel the Lord’s presence near you…not only at Easter, but always.  God Bless. 

This is our traditional family Easter day picture from 2011, with our Easter baskets and Sunday attire.