The Easter Parade

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

When I was a child all Easter meant to me was fun…Easter bunny, Easter basket full of candy, Easter egg hunts… the day had absolutely nothing to do with religion. Having grown up in the Church of Christ, we did not celebrate Christmas or Easter as religious holidays. Luckily for me though, unlike my one Jehovah’s Witness friend, we were allowed to celebrate them as man-made holidays. I can remember though always wondering why we did not celebrate Easter on Saturday, so to not have to break up the frivolity by having to go to church. How much simpler life was as a child.

Once I joined the Episcopal Church I came to realize what a significance other religions put on Easter. Quite a difference from having grown up being taught that yes we are supposed to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection, but we should do that every first day of the week. Now that I am not affiliated with any religion, I think Easter means more to me than ever before. I look at it as a day of renewal after a long, dark winter. A day to celebrate not only the sacrifice that Christ gave for us, but also all the miracles of life God has granted us.

My life right now is not in the best place. New rumors at work have us moving to a new building in July. This new building only holds about 200 people, which would mean around 80 of us would be losing our jobs between now and then. While I do not think I would be one of those at this point, it still makes a dismal working environment even darker. This new building is also about 15 miles from my house, as opposed to the 2 mile commute I have now. While my life away from work is actually in a good place right now, the worries of my job keep me from enjoying my free time.

What I would ask for myself during this time of celebration and renewal is the ability to forget the hassles of work as I walk out the door. To have the capability to close off my mind to things I have no control over would be a true miracle. To be able to enjoy my family, my friends, and this beautiful time of the year without this constant nagging in the back of my head would be true peace. During this time when we are celebrating Christ dying and being resurrected to save our souls, I pray for a little peace for my heart and my mind as well. May the peace of God be with us all!