Wednesday, April 04, 2012

"Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, 
and I will tell of Your greatness.
They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness 
and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness." 
- Psalm 145:6-7 -

I have just arrived home from a wonderful evening spent with some beautiful women.  Tonight, our conversation began on what the meaning of Easter is.  While no doubt, the classic Sunday School answer "Jesus!" first came to our minds, conversation began rolling and the Lord directed our chatting in a neat way.

Easter can be a difficult holiday.  Take away the chocolate bunnies and colored eggs, we see the holiday where Christians are encouraged to remember that sacrifice that Christ made for us through His death. I struggle with this every year, to truly grasp the miraculous act that He made.  I don't want to just be swept up in the emotions or force myself to feel a certain way I think I should feel.  Rather, I want to believe without a doubt, in the depth of my soul, that I believe in the man who was willing to die for me, and that that act has radically transformed not only my life, but all of life.

There have been moments in my life where the Lord has shown himself to be extremely real.  He has revealed parts of His character in simple, yet beautiful and unique ways that have been so deeply rooted in my heart that I can never deny those qualities in Him.  These parts of Himself are as real to me as the chair I am sitting on, and as real as the conversations I had tonight with my friends.  Yet, when I reflect upon the historical facts of the crucifixion, that Jesus did indeed live over 2000 years ago, and chose to give His life for me and all humanity...I find it extremely hard to wrap my heart and mind around and really understand and appreciate it all.

But, how can one fully comprehend such a thing without experiencing it?  Yes...hope and faith in the things we have not seen is a huge part of this, yet thus far in my life, it has still proven to be a struggle.

While I have no clear answer, and much of these writings is my own mind rambling and processing, I know Easter still has great purpose and meaning.  My heart at least rests in the truth that I have indeed experienced Christ in my life, that He is a God who is faithful and true.  And while I 'know' in my head of His sacrifice, but cannot understand it in full, I can praise Him for His "awesome acts", "greatness" and "abundant goodness" that I have experienced in full in my own life.

Thus, while it may be hard to reflect on an event that happened so very long ago and feels far removed, may we give honor and praise for the things He continues to do today, and each day.  Because our Lord did not die long ago, He is movin' and shakin' up this world, and I want to be along for the ride.

Blessings on your Easter weekend, may you find the time to reflect and be blessed.