For the past two years I have spent Easter away from my family. Which if you know me at all, you know is extremely hard for me to be away from them at all.
Growing up Easter was always spent at my Grandma and Grandpa loveless' house. It was always a pretty big deal. There was lots of food, all the family, but the best part was the excitement and anticipation of the Easter egg hunt. My grandparents would hide hundreds of eggs filled with candy and coins for the grandkids. And then you had your one big egg to find with your name on it. Which had more money and candy in it.
This was something my grandpa loved so much that when we were younger and it was just my sister and I hunting eggs, he would re-hide the eggs for the adults to find because he loved watching the joy that came with the competing and excitement of finding the Easter eggs.
This is the second Easter my grandpa hasn't been here for. Last year I didn't notice as much because I was overseas and knew my family was to far away. But this year I expected it to be hard because my family is only 12 hrs away, and I could have been there.
But instead of Jesus telling me to go home and be with my family this Easter, He said stay here in Georgia and reminded there is family where ever you are at.
I spent Easter going to a sunrise service at a mega church here in Gainesville. It was so great to get up and start the morning with worship to the living savior. Looking around seeing families worshiping together, i realized the people i was at church with that morning, is my family for this season and I was right where i needed to be.
After church we were all invited to a family's house from our church. However once arriving there I was not prepared for how many people would be there. It is estimated to be about 80-90 people including kids. But I didn't feel like a stranger who was just invited over for Easter dinner, I felt like i was there with my extended family. Which I was in Christ.
After lunch, they included me and my friends in hiding the Easter eggs for the children. My favorite part of family traditions and I didn't have to miss out because I wasn't with my family. Could only be Jesus.
Even though I still missed my family throughout the day, and the way my grandparents would make the holiday special ever year. Jesus blessed me with great people and a memorable Easter that was focused on him and family.
