Today, I’m Not Missing Anything

Easter is by far my favorite holiday. Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. I have amazing memories associated with this day thanks to the freedom we have always had in America.  As a child, I remember many Easter egg hunts. From as far back as I remember there are sunrise services that I never missed. Until early adulthood, those involved not just the scripture and early morning message but also connection with a church family over friendly yet always competitive pancake versus waffle wars.

For many years our tradition as a family has been to attend my sister n law’s sunrise service. We take family pictures, including cute kid pictures each year as one baby was born after another. Then again connect with wonderful people over a good meal.  

My kids enjoy Easter baskets, definitely not made by the Easter bunny. He doesn’t get credit in my house :). Then we attend church service number two. There is always much prayer between an early morning service and an 11:00 am service that nothing is spilled on our Easter attire. For the last several years our church has had a fundraiser taking family pictures to benefit summer missions.  Later on in the day, Easter has always involved more food and more connection with the ones we love.  

How amazing it has been year after year to celebrate with church families and our extended family in the same room for Easter.  I have attended in sickness and in health, rain or shine. I even attended once the day after being released from the hospital.  

These routines and memories are implanted deep within. When I think about them all my senses are activated; touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell. 

Today, we find ourselves in a different situation. The physical touch of hugging or shaking hands with our church family won’t happen. I will not be in a church two times before noon. I will not smell and taste the food prepared by others.  I will not hear the sounds of many voices joining to worship in the sanctuary.  

TODAY, I will be cooking my family breakfast on Easter for the first time.
TODAY, I do have the absolute privilege of choosing which drive in service or online services to attend. I can virtually go to as many as my heart desires.
TODAY, I will find myself with more time to reflect upon the cross and the resurrection.  
TODAY, my heart may hurt a little less. My mom watches from above as we navigate this day a bit differently and create new traditions and memories. 
TODAY, I will rejoice more than ever. Jesus died for our sins on the cross and rose from the grave. I have a home in heaven alongside my friends and family members who have believed.  

What a gift Easter is.  

There has always been such a peace that I feel deep within that surpasses understanding. As I woke up this morning, I felt that peace, maybe more than any other Easter.  While there are traditions and people I will miss today, I’m not MISSING anything.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.
​Matthew 28:6. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
​John 3:16

Author: Heather Lynch