This Easter, for us, isn't very traditional. The kids are too old for Easter baskets (though we do have a gift or two). I wasn't up to sending cards, print or digital. I did finally remove the Christmas tablecloth to reveal the spring-y green gingham oilcloth underneath, and there is a fresh bouquet of pink and purple carnations on the table. We will have a dinner of ham steaks, sweet potatoes, and green-beans-in-mushroom-soup in a few hours. In the meantime, there's laundry to be done, some cleaning-up, and planning for the week.
But that's it. No church service--we haven't been in years. No Bible reading for me today, either; I've got a well-used, highlighted edition that is evidence of having been there, done that. I'm feeling a bit cynical these days about church-goers who celebrate Easter big-time, but have a harder time following Jesus' example of Love as the greatest law the rest of the year. Yes, the Resurrection story is the basis of Christianity, but wasn't the whole point to pay attention to what he was teaching before that? If folks had paid attention, would the crucifixion have been necessary? I know, I know-- much more educated and wiser people have spent years rationalizing the reasons why things happened the way they did. But it always, always comes back to Love. And Hope.
I've been bereft of hope in the general sense for awhile, so this weekend, I did some things to move my gaze forward and upward. This coming week I'll be spending some time in nature, paying attention to the ways it perseveres and continues its cycles despite our interference and lack of Love. Maybe there'll be a bit of Hope in those quiet moments to carry back home.
Wishing you hope in those quiet moments and time in nature that you've planned.
ReplyDeleteIt was low-key here too. The to-do list and laundry doesn't care if there's a holiday. Following what Jesus taught all the days before the crucifixion is the point too often missed. Love. It's one of those things that sounds simple, but is profound. It's bigger than us, maybe that's what makes it difficult?
ReplyDeleteI wish you well this weekend communing with nature, getting still, and listening. You're a good listener. It comes out in. our writing.