There
is a drawback to annual celebrations and events in our lives. That drawback is when
we allow those events to develop into a mindset that they only occur “that one
time” in the year. Not so!
For
example, Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday, but we should be thankful
every day and be mindful of the poor and hungry every day. The same is true
with Easter. Yes, the literal resurrection of Jesus happened “once,” but the significance
of that event should be recognized and lived out every single day. We are a “resurrection
people” and should live out and express our beliefs joyfully each day.
One of the ways to “live out” our joy
of Easter is to remember that the risen Christ is always with us, not just on
Easter and not just when we’re in church on Sunday. He died and rose so that he
could live within us and be close to us at all times. But just as Mary had
difficulty recognizing Jesus in the garden (John 20:11-18), we often fail to notice that the Lord is with us in
concrete, real-life ways.
Now
that we understand that Easter isn’t “just once a year” in the Spring, we need
to ask ourselves “what would happen if we expected
and anticipated “seeing” the
Lord on a regular basis? Where might you recognize his presence and how he is
working in your life?
Perhaps:
•
When you have been praying for something for a long time, and your prayer is
answered in a way you didn’t expect.
•
When a Scripture verse or a particular verse in a Hymn strikes you in a totally
new way and helps you get through a difficult circumstance.
•
When you are able to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply.
•
When you realize you need to correct a bad habit, and you are able to do so.
•
When you and your spouse are finally able to see eye to eye on a touchy issue
that has caused conflict in the past.
•
When you see someone who is hurting or needy and are able to help that person.
Of
course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. God is infinitely creative in the times
and ways he reveals himself. So, as you go through your day, begin to anticipate
and even expect him to “show up” each day.
Then
try to keep your eyes open for his presence. You may just be surprised at how
often he is part of every detail and concern of your life. May we just quickly
pray, like Mary, “Jesus, open my eyes so that I can tell others, ‘I have
seen the Lord.’”