The long awaited daffodils have finally begun to bloom in my neighborhood. I didn’t notice them until later in the day, I spied their brightness among the grey trees and wet soil.
I pulled over at the end of the street to admire their beauty through my rain dappled windows and discovered many were dotting the wild undergrowth of the treed lot. It seemed the darker the spot the brighter they shone; as though it was a challenge they were rising to.
That is the true essence of Easter, isn’t it? To shine brightly despite the darkness; discovering the strength to rise again after defeat and to believe in new beginnings after painful endings. It is resurrection work and only taken on by the strong of heart.
If we are not careful we leave the true message of Easter behind in the sanctuary with the tossed aside bulletins. We make the mistake of thinking Easter is merely a celebratory worship service held once a year with special music and extra decorations. We forget that Easter is a way of life, a way of living in our ordinary and everyday world.
We may miss the true calling of Easter which is to follow Jesus into a new life. This newness is not void of difficulties but joyful and hope filled despite the hardships. It is living under the cloak of gratitude and confidence knowing we are truly loved and tenderly held by an amazing Creator. It is finding the bright yellow glow of God’s presence within the rain drops and among the greyness.
As Vivian Greene writes, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s learning to dance in the rain!” As a Resurrection People may we all remember to dance in the storms trusting we do not dance alone, assured that a loving God accompanies us all the way!
