This is not a story about Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and brightly colored eggs. It is not about beautiful Easter outfits, hats, and shoes that go with the season. This is a story that started two days before Palm Sunday when I walked home from my art class on a sunny, windy day……..
Friday, two days before Palm Sunday….
Art class was over, I packed up my supplies, and headed out the door for my walk home. I always take the side streets, since it is a direct route to my home. As I crossed the street, I noticed how windy it had become. It felt chilly but refreshing as it hit my face.
Halfway up the street, the meandering sound of church hymns encircled my senses and filled me with a desire to just stop and listen, but I continued my walk, passing other folks walking on this beautiful day. Half way home, Amazing Grace brought me to a stop. It is one of my favorite hymns. I stood near a pie shop and just listened, letting the music go straight to my heart, as it always does. Music is a precious gift; one that I love.
As I continued home, I noticed a few trees bursting with the beautiful colors of spring. Just then, patches of yellow daffodils caught my eye and the reason for the season caught in my throat. Ironically, at that exact moment, the church around the circle, pumped out, The Old Rugged Cross, which always brings a tear. I stopped again not wanting to miss a single note of that precious song.
As I gazed around, I thought about part of a scripture: To everything, there is a season and to every purpose under heaven…….
To me, spring is a time of rebirth, a time for new growth, a time of beauty, and a time to reflect on my life.
Palm Sunday……….
I love to close my eyes and picture Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem. In front of him, on the road are beautiful palms leading the way. On either side, children of all ages carrying and waving their palms to show their love for the man who loved them so dearly. Standing behind the children, are their parents, relatives, and all those whose lives were changed because of a pure heart.
Little do they know what lies ahead for the man that taught so many beautiful lessons and touched so many lives……
During the week, so many things changed for the Son of God. Once again, I close my eyes and see the betrayal, the horrific beating, the nails intruding from His hands, the breaking of His legs, and the nail that holds His feet to the rough wood. I hear his Mother sobbing as they place a crown of thorns on His head. My heart breaks as they pulled and pushed the cross getting it in a place where He would spend what time he had left. It is finished. My heart cries for the Man who died for my sins.
Three days later, He is Risen….. Hallelujah!
My Heartfelt Thoughts……
We all wait for spring. The anticipation of the change from winter to spring leaves us counting the days and longing for the budding trees, flowering plants and warmer weather.
Spring is a beautiful change that warms our hearts and tickles our senses with its colors, smells, and sounds of outside activities. It is also a time to look within our own hearts and see where our love for other’s, leads us. Perhaps, the change will help us in reaching out to someone who desperately needs a shoulder, or simply a hug. Maybe, it will lead us to look for ways to help the homeless, seniors, the lonely, our veterans, or those who are sick.
Forgiveness……..
Jesus died on the cross for all of us. When we forgive others, we help our hearts grow. Who can you forgive today?
One more thought……….
My heart breaks for the sadness that seems to fill our very souls. Whether it is losing a loved one through sickness, the terrible drug epidemic, terrorist, beatings, killings, or whatever the case, it needs to come to an end. I pray every day that it will. It is because of my feelings, I have decided to end my story with the following: strive for love. Love everything you do. Love your neighbor, Love your family, Love your work, Love those who are different, Love those who are in need, for when we have love in our hearts, faith and hope will follow.
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter!
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