Easter in an Egg Shell

Yesterday was Easter Sunday, and probably my most favorite Easter yet. When I was younger, I never really liked Easter. I don't know why. I just sort of thought it was boring, and the Easter bunny was cheap compared to Santa. The one thing I looked forward to every year was going to the passion play with my family the weekend before. The reason for celebrating Easter was the only thing I actually did enjoy celebrating.

This year was different than any other year though. I've been going to church more often than in years past, and I have really been longing for a closer relationship with Christ. This year, I heard two different Easter messages from two different pastors at different churches. In each one, when they spoke of Christ's death on the cross, I felt like He was speaking to my heart. For the first time in a long time, it didn't feel like just a story. I was beginning to comprehend His love for me, or at least as much as my wicked heart can understand that kind of pure love.

When I sang the worship songs at church, I meant what I was saying for the first time in a long time. When the pastor talked about how much God loves us, I believed it. When I went home and thought about how I am called to go beyond my comfort zone to serve Him, I was at peace with that. My heart was where it needed to be, and I received a message that I've needed for a long time.

Beyond that, I just had an amazing, relaxing day with my family. For those of you who don't know much about me, I work 7 days a week (literally). I wake up to an alarm clock every single day of the week for an 8 or 9 hour work day. I still had to work this Sunday, but I was able to work it out to where I got a night shift so that I could spend the afternoon with my family. We went to church and had lunch and went for a Sunday afternoon drive...it was just fun. It reminded me of the days that I miss so much now, the days when all I really had to do was sit at home with my family.

The night before, I was able to attend a Saturday church service with my brother and ride around checking out nice houses and indulge in a homestyle buffet. We went "home" (to my mom's house where I no longer live, but will always call home), and watched a scary movie and ate tons of goodies that my mom had stocked up on in preparation for our weekend there. That Saturday and Sunday combined were just the best two days I've had in a while. I've been really homesick since I've been working too much to spend much time with my family, and I was genuinely thrilled to go home for Easter.

Some people dread holidays. Their families drive them crazy, and they look forward to the days they get to spend away from them. I'm so lucky to have a family that I can lean on for support, and that is filled with people who are just as crazy as I am! They love me unconditionally, and that is just a portion of how much Christ loves us...wow!

Anyway, after work last night, I was reflecting on the weekend. My cup runneth over. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am. I am so thankful that I was reminded of Christ's love for us through excellent preaching, music, and time with my family. Oh, and a very impressive Easter basket! :) (You know you're lucky if the Easter bunny still leaves you candy at the age of 24! lol)

God bless you and may we never take for granted the many, many blessings that are bestowed upon us every day!