Easter Monday

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” ~ Matthew 28:5-7

Easter this year was not as notable as last year when we were shockingly shut away from our desired places of worship, our precious families and other dear loved ones. With some care and healthy thoughtfulness this year some of us tried getting back to what we remembered about Easters past. Perhaps you had small gatherings that resembled Easters of other years and that made Easter 2021 seem far more *normal* over last year. 2020 sometimes was marked by countless losses and as we slowly restore some of our ways of life in 2021 we might even start to count gains once again.

What I noticed in this slower time with fewer activities and gatherings is that Easter traditions don’t have to occur in the same way every year. Changes are okay because memories of Easters we have had in other years stay with us as they are stored in our hearts and minds. Changing it up from year to year makes for new memories to make and to keep. Bountiful baskets, gatherings with loved ones, hunts for eggs, special meals, spring dresses and LOTS of chocolate are really wonderful, but those events rather pale compared to the first and most memorable Easter of all–the one described above in Matthew’s account.

I trust on this Easter Monday you have a memory of not only Easter 2021, but also of Easters in your past. I trust also that your heart is filled with thoughts of God’s gracious love poured out and made available to all, just for the asking.

This is such good news worth celebrating, worth sharing!

Wishing you a blessed Easter Monday!