Spring has arrived. Here in Texas, where only a few weeks ago there was snow, the fields are filled with Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes. We received an email today from friends in Montana, saying they are expanding their garden and buying new seeds.
The park near our home will be filled this afternoon with children hunting for Easter eggs. Like many of the Christian holidays, Easter is observed near the time of an ancient pagan holiday, one that celebrated the advent of Spring. Today churchgoing Christians will gather to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, the day his friends went to grieve at his tomb and found his body gone. “He is risen,” explained the angels keeping watch.
This story, like so many of the wonderful stories in the bible, is rich in symbolism for us. Life is often painful. Endings of all kinds are always with us, and we know that our material lives will also end. Yet for every ending, every loss we experience, there is a miraculous renewal awaiting us.
Happy Easter! Joyful renewals to you!