He Is Risen!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 

So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Luke 24: 33-34

I was a little saddened knowing I needed to get rid of my once beautiful flowers my hubby had gotten me. Unfortunately, letting them sit for as long as they did wasn’t uplifting in any way. When I woke up this morning, I figured that there were two ways I could look at my drooping flowers in my bedroom. I could see the overall wilted bouquet or focus on the couple that were still lively and beautiful. Those still pretty ones were the reason they were all still there.

Why did I accept the overall dismal picture just because there were a few flowers still looking nice? Because I was holding onto something that no longer had the purpose they once had. I let them sit in that vase way longer than I should have. Do you know what happened after tending to the mess? Something of beauty appeared! Allowing the flowers that were alive and well to become independent of the wilted ones brought life back into the picture.

Pondering this lesson, I began wondering how many people were becoming like me and haven’t realized they have messy vases too. There are times when we don’t even recognize the beauty because we’re so caught up on the good that used to be, we’re blinded by what doesn’t serve a purpose any longer. These create messy vases of life.

Another situation that causes problems is when we allow some of our wilted flowers to overtake what was once good. Simply becoming aware of changes and choices in our lives can make the picture clearer. I’m sure we all have areas we could do better and be more aware of changes that need to be made. On the flip side, I’m positive there are things we’re doing well. We just haven’t thought about it to own it!

I love Easter! No matter what’s raging around us, through us, or to us, we know what is constant. The whole reason of Easter is to celebrate the resurrection and eternal life for all who believe. It’s full of light, new life, victory, and hope because there is Someone who doesn’t change. Through the storms of life, we can choose to see the Light and separate Him from the wilted, dead, drooping sadness to allow the joy and peace to roll over us.

After having a reawakening this morning with the flowers, I decided to search out what could use some improvement and what should be celebrated. Making right choices gives us motivation for the difficult that needs dealt with. My recent win was Easter. A trip to be with family was cancelled, and the weather wasn’t looking too promising to enjoy the day outside. We could’ve moped about, but the choice was unintentionally made by all to really enjoy the time together.

I had dreams of grandeur while considering having the family get dressed up to let our minds know that this wasn’t just another day at home. I was thinking of putting on a dress because I remember when I used to get an Easter dress, new shoes, maybe a new necklace, an Easter bonnet, and possibly even gloves. I was feeling nostalgic. Since I felt out that situation earlier, I knew it probably wouldn’t start the day in the best way. I knew God wouldn’t care how we showed up, but couldn’t we please look a little more put together for such a special holiday?

As I threw my hair into a ponytail while making my way out of the bathroom in the morning, I spied an outfit my hubby had set out on the bed. He was keeping it casual but was getting out of his fleece top and into a dressier shirt. I’d take the fishing pants! I quickly ran back into the bathroom and danced a little jig. It wasn’t hopeless! Out my hair came from the ponytail and on went the jeans with a nice top. Now, onto the boys.

My youngest was already awake.  Being concerned with the reception from waking up my oldest a little (or a lot) earlier than he’d like, I braced myself and went full out high-energy on him. “Peter Cottontail” may have been sung and clapping may have ensued, by me of course, as I urged my teenagers to put something on other than sweats. I didn’t hear any growling and may have even heard a couple mumbled, “Happy Easters.” Ooh, it was looking good.

Thinking I’d test their alertness, I starting with my oldest saying, “He is risen!” His response, “Yes He has…” Hmm.

I moved on to my youngest, and he answered without missing a beat, “He is risen, indeed!” Yes!! Correct answer. All those Easter Sundays at church taught him something.

My hubby got it right on the second try. That wasn’t bad!  They were still waking up.

Next, it was time for a scavenger hunt instead of the traditional Easter egg hunt. Laughter ensued as the boys tried to figure out the clues and seeing their reactions when they found another reward. We have so many things to look forward to when things are open again!

Getting breakfast and calling family came next. After sliding the ham into the oven, we gathered to worship together for our own little church service. Then, we died Easter eggs. Everyone did it without complaint. Here’s where a secret comes in. Food. Tease them with the smell of food. Keeps them alert and much more cooperative in seeing things your way. Saturday the smell of Paska worked miracles too.

By the way, those eggs were quite interesting. Our artistic skills might leave a little (or a lot) to be desired. We didn’t quite create those that I admire from Eastern Europe, but they were special because we were creating memories while doing them together.

We decided on an Easter meal that worked for us. Having enjoyed juicy ham, deviled eggs, the comfort of macaroni and cheese, and candied yams, we were only missing collard greens. Maybe another year! A nap was needed after all that.

What could’ve been a day focused on everything that wasn’t right, I’m excited to look back and say that we found those flowers that were lively and beautiful.

How are you tending to your vases of life? Can you clearly see the good that is hiding among the wilted? I challenge you not to except an overall dismal picture. Use what’s in the vase to improve and celebrate. Once you see there is always something good left, share it.

Jesus is a constant good. He is the Light. He is risen! When you catch that glory, spread it to someone else. We can spread Light instead of germs! Be kind. Be thankful. Be determined. Be patient. Have joy! Don’t wait until tomorrow when you can do it today.