Easter

I can't let Easter get too far behind us without saying something about my own feelings about the gifts of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

There is nothing more amazing in the entire history of humanity than the birth, life, atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes I think it seems so amazing that we forget it is not only a gift to human kind, it is also a very loving, personal gift.  

Last year Joie made a sign to put at her parents' graves:

The message is so simple:  Because of Easter, I can see you again.

What a beautiful message about resurrection and eternal life, and I love knowing that we will all be united again one day.  I don't know what my life would be like without that peace.

At the same time, I know the very human, very imperfect side of me struggles to always love, forgive, understand, follow commandments, let go of my own will and turn it over to Him...  And so many other things that would make it impossible for me to enjoy the gift of eternal life because I'd be living forever as a resurrected being in my imperfect state.

In God's perfect wisdom, He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins, so that through the process of repentance, we could live with Him, and with each other in a perfect state of eternal happiness.  

Every time I step out of my self to love...

Every time I forgive and feel my own heart lightened...

Every time I allow my will to bend to His...

Every time I, in my imperfection, need Him to make me perfect and whole, I'm blessed beyond what I can describe.  The joy of having my burdens lifted comes from our Savior's love for us.  It is real.  The peace of life in His love and light is real, and thanks to the miracle of resurrection, that light and love can last forever.

The beauty of this message is that we don't have to wait until then to enjoy peace and happiness.  With Christ's gospel on the earth today, we can enjoy that peace during our lifetime.  What a gift that He would not leave us comfortless and without direction in this life.  The LDS church has put out a series of Bible videos this year depicting the life of Christ.  If you haven't had a chance to watch these amazing videos, you can find them here.  

I am happy to say every day that I believe in Jesus Christ.

This year we were in Idaho on Easter and didn't get a chance to decorate Ruth's, Nick's and Audrey's graves.  I tried to get Joie excited about making a sign again to put next to a memorial my mom has in her garden, but the excitement and the pull of cousins and the holiday had her feeling not so interested.  Instead everyone helped out by writing messages we left in the memorial garden.  

...Because we can't think of Easter without thinking of the amazing day when we will embrace loved ones again!  The thought of it is overwhelming, and it is with joy we say we know that day will come.

(For last year's Easter post, see here.)