So what is Easter? The start of spring? Easter eggs and the Easter bunny. Baskets filled with candy? What a strange group of things bloomed out of a holiday of faith. I guess Christmas is not much better. Santa Clause and Christmas trees? All of these have a history and although they are probably harmless, they tend to water down and distort the true basis for the holidays.
So what does Easter mean to me? A few facets of my faith and feelings about Easter without the churchy talk:
Easter gives me purpose
If it was not for my faith, I would live, gather and die like everyone else and that would be it. My goals would be focused on the relatively short period that we inhabit the Earth and would concentrate on accumulating, enjoyments and self-focus. However, I know there is more. The Bible says that we are wired for eternity. We know there has to be more. While this life can be great at times, there is also a lot of pain that goes along with it. We live in a world without real order. Without things being fair or honest. A jumbled up mess. I am looking forward to order and justice. A place where everything is right. Easter reminds me that there is a place that is right and this is but a stop along the way.
Easter helps me belong
I belong to the largest family that has ever existed. A family of people who think alike. A family with a vision of what true life is all about. That takes care of one another. That helps you when you are down. A family that puts others ahead of themselves.
Easter means all things are new
Easter is like the morning. A new day has begun. Yesterday was tough. I screwed up. I made some stupid mistakes. But then the sun comes up. And it is a new day. A new start. The old is gone and the new is here. Easter washes away the dirt of the past and makes all things new. Like a shiny penny. The way it should be.
Easter gives me focus
The opportunity to get my mind off of myself. To really see others and their needs first. To love others more than myself. Easter gives me an orientation where I am no longer the center of my universe. I can focus on others and I can stop thinking about my situation, wants and needs.
Easter is peace
I can relax in the realization that I do not need to worry. I do not need to try to do it all. I do not need all of the answers. I can trust. I can let things go. I do not have to guide and control. I can relax. It will be fine. I will be fine. This is the basis of faith.
I will admit that I am still a work in progress. I still struggle sometimes, but I know when I look back I see progress. When I look forward, I see a path. The Easter message is one of hope. It is a message of love. And purpose, belonging, renewal, vision and peace.
I hope you can see this and truly grasp the power of the Easter message.
And to you and yours- Happy Easter!
Leading by Serving 