I woke up this morning in utter anticipation of this joyous
day. In fact, I can’t think back to a time I was more excited to celebrate any
day as much as this Easter Sunday. There is no fancy church service planned, no
great chocolate eggs or bunnies to eat, but what I do have is the knowledge
that once a year, I am specifically reminded of the hope, future and LIFE we
have in Christ!!
As I saw the sunrise this morning from my bed (yes, we’ve
done some moving of rooms here at the Villa), I thought about God’s delicate
(and daily) reminder of His son. It
is His son who brings light, life and each day new. It was that time in my life
when I met the Lord that all things became new—the way I viewed my purpose
and my life here in this world. Today I was reminded once again of how each day
is NEW! I am so thankful that we have the best life, both now and in the
future, because we serve a Lord who wants to live and fellowship with us on a
daily basis now and forever.
Here in Spain they celebrate 
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in a
much different way than I remember as a child. It is a very somber day focused
on the cross. I am thankful that the cross was the forerunner to the
resurrection and life that was intended all along by that death. In fact, God
calls me to die daily to myself in order to become more fully alive in Him. In
the end, that momentary suffering produces a better me, and ultimately a better
world! Imagine that Jesus stood there knowing that his suffering and perseverance
would produce hope for the world!! In the same way, we are called to persevere
(and yes at times suffer) for a greater hope of glory found in us and working
daily to transform this world one life at a time!
Thank you Jesus on this Resurrection Day for showing us the
way, the truth and the life. Thank you for not giving up on a bunch of wayward
sinners and for pressing in, all the way to death on a cross. Thank you that
you led by example and have taught me what it means to appreciate
fellowship, service, love, and the beauty of people (including the sinners you
came to save). May I choose to love this day more than I loved the day before,
and live life to the fullest with the hope and glory that lives in me-YOU!!
