It is truly amazing how much our daily lives can change in an instant. How different does your life look today than it did one month ago?
The events of the past several weeks are affecting us all differently, I imagine. Each of us will emerge from this period in time with different recollections and stories to tell. I know I have felt an array of emotions, sometimes all in the same day. I’ve found how quickly I can vacillate between concern one moment to gratitude the next.
On a practical note, I’ve worked to establish some sense of routine and order for our family to cultivate a sense of normalcy. As usual, we’ve said blessings over our meals, but with a new recognition for the many people that have played a part in helping us keep nourishment on the table.
I’ve appreciated the time for connection within our family. Although a departure from the normal day to day, we’ve had more time under one roof than ever before. All the while, I’ve felt deep grief for those affected by illness, and heartache for others experiencing job insecurity.
I’ve spent more time praying than I have in a long time. And, in the increased discretionary time of late, I’ve been reminded that I don’t have to wait for a designated time to talk to God. These conversations can come and go in spurts throughout the day. While my scope of control may be small, I can speak big prayers over our world.
Throughout history, many hardships and tragedies have transpired. Much of what I have learned about history has not occurred during my time on earth. Yet, I imagine others have searched for God in the midst of destruction, devastation or broken hearts and asked, “Where is He now?”
However, in times of uncertainty, we have the opportunity to recognize the blessed assurance that comes from a living hope.
Next Sunday, April 12th, Easter will come upon us. Our day may look different than in the past. Our celebrations will be more intimate, family meals may be simpler and worship services virtual. But, the elation of the day does not need to be limited to circumstances.
On Good Friday, Jesus was placed upon a cross to die. His body, affixed to a dead wood, was supposed to perish in the presence of a mocking crowd. And, after He took a last breath, His audience believed His life and ministry had concluded. For his followers, the situation must have felt utterly despairing and hopeless.
However, on Easter Sunday, Jesus arose. In a span of just a couple of days, he transformed from a lifeless figure on a deadened wood to a fully restored light of life.
The reality of Jesus’ resurrection is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – and with this, we always have good news to celebrate. Through knowing Jesus and His love for us, there is hope to be found in every year, month, day – and moment.
Romans 15:13 (NIV) states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In the weeks ahead, I would love to invite you to remind yourself and those around you that we are an Easter people. Each day we have the gift of relationship with Jesus as well as the eternal life He gifted to us more than 2,000 years ago. In any day of our lives, this truth remains unchanged.
This is our joy.
Rooted in Grace and Grit 