Easter is quite possibly my favorite holiday of the year. Why? Because it’s a day of remembrance that Jesus gave his life for me! Nothing can be any better than that. It’s the day we celebrate His resurrection, how that grave couldn’t hold Him, how He rose up in all His power and glory. And it’s also a reminder that one day He’s coming back for me!

We were out of town on business most of last week, arriving back home Thursday evening. There were so many things to be done in preparation for the weekend. We were having family over to celebrate with us. Plans had been made for food and fun for everyone who came. I’m not sure why I keep forgetting that making such plans is not always a good thing. I want everything to be perfect, so I plan, plan, and then plan some more.

My plans included grocery shopping for the food, cleaning off our deck, cleaning and getting the grill ready for cooking, laundry from out trip needed to be done, and then just tidying up the house. I needed my husband to help with some of this, and he’s always willing to do whatever I want however I want it. But, he got called into work early on Friday morning. So, what do I do? After a little panic attack, I started re-planning. Is that even a word? I’m not sure, but it is now. I had to figure out a way to get as much done as possible all by myself. So, I did what a could and left the rest to hopefully finish on Saturday morning. Family was to be arriving around noon.

Saturday morning I woke up exhausted. Marty was already awake and getting started. He’s so good to me. We had ditched the plan for our deck, not sure how the weather would be anyway, and decided we’d set up tables inside. He began bringing in chairs from the garage and cleaning up the grill while I worked on prepping the food he would be grilling. My parents arrived first, and kids followed not long after that. I had most of the kitchen set up so we could make our lunch line. My area was prepared for telling the Easter story from the Bible. We use the Resurrection Eggs and the kids love it. If you’ve never heard of Resurrection Eggs, look it up on Family Life‘s webpage or here. It’s a very good way to tell about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus while letting the kids have hands on fun with each symbol from the story.

Once everyone arrived, we all gathered in the living room. Marty is still cooking, but just outside the door, so we decided to go ahead with our Bible story. The kids sat around me on the floor and each one took turns opening an egg after I read from God’s Word and then explained to them what it all means for each one of us. I have five grandchildren ranging from age 5 to age 13. It’s so rewarding to watch each one of them when this story is being told. Each one has a different reaction, and I pray for the day when each one really gets it, when Jesus tugs at their heart and they respond to Him. Oh, how I long for that day.

Then I happened to hear Marty talking outside. I knew noone else was out there, so he must be on the phone. He was. It was work again. He had to leave and go in to work. I silently prayed for God to help me through without him there. I already felt like I was drowing, trying to be sure every little thing was like I had planned. Now I was going to be alone again. But wait! I know that I’m never really alone, right? God is always with me.

After a few hours of laughing and playing with the grandkids and my great nephews, eating more than I should have, enjoying conversations with my kids, my parents, my neice and her husband, and my friend Mary who had come also, everyone started leaving. I realized that my plans had gone ok, but as usual, not exactly like I had intended. Marty finally came in from work and we had a good night together.

Then came today. It’s Sunday! Easter Sunday! Resurrection Day! I got up early and was ready to go to church. I got there early to practice music with some dear church family that were singing today. I made it through Sunday School with a room full of junior high kids and having a really good lesson about sharing the gospel. Then came the worship service.

Worship service is always good to me. I come expecting a blessing from God and I never leave disappointed. We sang hymns of praise to our Lord, had the special musical from the Smiths. Our Pastor delivered and wonderful message from Acts 2:22-24. And last, but not least, we observed the Lord’s Supper. I love each time throughout the year when our church family is gathered together, worshipping and praising God. But the times that we have the Lord’s Supper is very special to me. It’s a renewing of my knowledge that Jesus died for me, for my sins, and for yours! It’s a time that we can reflect on how precious that is. As we partake of the juice, we think about His blood. Blood that was spilled for me, to cover my sins. And the little cracker that represents His body, beaten and bruised, hung on that cross, then his side pierced as he died. He died for me. He was wrapped in a linen cloth and then laid in a borrowed tomb, a huge stone placed in front and guards placed outside. And then, just three days later, that grave could not hold Him. That stone was moved and He’s ALIVE!

All this is scripture being fulfilled. It’s all a beautiful story of His love for us, His unselfish love. It was planned by God so long ago and He knew exactly what and how it would take place. The precious blood of Jesus covered my sins. He paid the ultimate price, and not for anything that He had done wrong, but for my failures. I’m not sure how anyone can deny God. But I know it happens. Jesus is Lord. He is my Savior, my Redeemer. I sure hope you know Him as yours too.

Happy Resurrection Day
Be blessed,

Nana