As I sat with my family enjoying the traditional ham and potato dinner and watching my little girl run around the yard looking for eggs...I began to reflect on what the day means to me.
Every year, Christians around the world celebrate Easter. It is the day that started it all -- the day Jesus was resurrected. He conquered sin and death so that we could have new life. Being that Easter is also during spring, the season of new life, it's not surprising that that's what Easter means to me. Allow me to explain...
A Time of Ending
Easter is the time to stop worrying. So many of us spend way too much time worrying over what we should do, or what we've done, or what we should have done, or what someone else has done (or might do), or... Well, you get the picture. I know I worry a lot, and it tends to be about things that I can't control anyway. So, what's the point? Easter is the time to let go of anger and bad feelings. Have you ever heard the analogy of "carrying a lot of baggage"? Well, that's a very good one in my opinion. Hauling around angry, negative stuff really wears me out. And with so many things I want to do, I don't need that at all! Nothing good can come from staying angry... so let it go. Put an end to it and let's get on with life.
A Time of Beginning
Easter is a great time to start new things. Nature is starting fresh -- at least in my part of the world -- so why not follow along? When everything around me is full of life, it makes it a lot easier to try something different. Is there something you've been wanting to do? An instrument that you want to play? A sport? How about a habit you want to get into, like exercising? Or maybe you want to do something for the community? Easter is a great time to consider your options. There is no law that says we have to keep doing the same things we've always done. Do you have a regular hangout? Why not get your friends to go someplace else? If they won't go with you, then why not go alone? Maybe you'll make some new friends. This is the perfect time of year to ask, "Is this the best way to spend my time? Are these the only options I have... or am I overlooking something?" You might be surprised at how much we tend to limit ourselves.
A Time of Renewing
Easter is the perfect reason for tackling those things you've set aside. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected. Why not use that example and resurrect some things you've let fall by the wayside? I used to keep a journal, and I wrote in it every night. It was a great way to sort things out and gain a better perspective on my problems -- but I stopped doing it. Well, Easter is my excuse for starting it again! Is there anything you've set aside that could be renewed?
Easter is an excellent opportunity to connect with old friends. Why not breathe new life into some old relationships? Have you moved and lost touch with people? Or has someone moved away and left you behind? And what about those people you used to hangout with whom you still see in the halls every day? Why not stop and say "hi"? Ask them how they're doing. Write a letter to someone you no longer see -- or send an email -- or make a phone call. Take a walk down memory lane and see whom you've left behind. Then reach out during this time of new life, and resurrect some old friendships. It's a great way to honor Jesus, and thank him for what he did for us so very long ago.
