And Then God Gave Me Easter

Mark 16:4-6--"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. '"

This weekend has been kind of a rough one. A long-time friend was tragically killed in a fire in his home; his wife was injured and lost her home and the love of her life in a matter of minutes. Further, I'm concerned that through a number of medical missteps and negligence that someone very dear to me is more physically ill than necessary.

Yesterday, the weather was beautiful beyond belief, yet my heart was too heavy to truly acknowledge its beauty. I spent the afternoon Saturday out among the gardens, a favorite springtime activity that normally makes me smile just thinking about it. Nevertheless, my mind tended to stray away from the blooms and blossoms of the new season to the fading and wilting  shadows of frustration and sadness. I went to bed last night tired inside and out.

And then God gave me Easter. I woke up to another beautiful sky, just as I did yesterday morning...but this morning was different. Truly different.

I said the Lord's Prayer with gusto--Thy Will Be Done--and I could feel the strength  in those words that had been lacking the day before. My spirit lifted along with my soul. It truly is going to be alright. God is in charge; Christ is with me always. And He is with you as well. Hallelujah.

"And the arms that hold the universe are holding you tonight

So you can rest inside; it's gonna be alright.

And the voice that calms the raging sea is calling you His child

So be still and know He's in control,

He will never let you go."--Arms that Hold the Universe by 33 Miles