The sky was grey and the light snow falling reminded me more of winter than the first day of April.  So disappointing as I had just recently seen the promise of spring with buds beginning to pop out on the trees and crocus and daffodils blooming.  Just when I was getting my hopes up that spring had finally arrived, those hopes were dashed.  A Winter Weather Advisory turned into a Winter Storm Warning with a prediction of 4-8 inches of snow.  Aside from it just being a complete waste of a snow day, at least from a teacher’s point of view, it was not at all what I had expected for Easter.

The family gathered here after church and we enjoyed time together, eating laughing, playing games and just enjoying each other’s company.  My daughter in law curled up on the couch for a nap, having recently recovered from the flu and later on my husband crashed out on his recliner.  It was a time to reconnect, relax and renew ourselves, with people we love.

And then something interesting happened.  The clouds began to part, the Winter Storm Warning disappeared and in it’s place the sun began shining brightly as the snow we did get began melting.  The hope for spring was present again with the knowledge that the snow was necessary for things to begin turning green, for flowers to grow and moisture for farmers.

The day reminded me of the resurrection story.  I’m sure that followers of Jesus just knew that He was the promise of spring, of new beginnings.  I can’t begin to imagine their disappointment when Jesus was hung on the cross, having to deal with a perceived ending rather than the hope of a new beginning.  His followers gathered to give comfort to one another, because that is what you do with those you love.  And just when they thought the story was finished, the sun came out, melting the disappointment and turning it to joy.  Joy that everyone can share in, in a brightness that one cannot ignore.

Or can we?  There are those that say people who believe in God are weak minded and need a mythical god to believe in because they are not scientifically or analytically minded.  Those same people look at our weakness as hypocrisy and not the same weakness as their own.  They look at our understanding of grace as an excuse to make mistakes because we believe God forgives.

On the other hand, I’m sure it can be hard for unbelievers to see God’s light in us when we tend to cover it up with our doubts and our continued behavior that is no different  from anyone else.  I am one of those believers that I’m sure has inadvertently cast doubt in the minds of others.  It is merely proof that I am imperfect and still need the joy and reassurance the sunshine brings.

The Resurrection Story isn’t just something for us to remember and celebrate with  traditions one day every year, it’s a lifestyle.  It’s living through life’s inevitable disappointments, conflicts, problems, grief and even death, knowing that the light of God is just around the corner, sometimes right behind the clouds.  So how do I know this?  Since each person’s relationship with God is personal, I can only speak from my point of view, but let’s just say there have been many times in my life, and I’m old enough to have seen some of them completely through, where I had no understanding of why I was having to go through some tough experiences. Dealing with depression and anxiety, issues with my career, financial problems, and struggles in my relationships, just to name a few, not unlike a lot of  people.  However, as I look back, I see where certain people or opportunities came into my life that, at the time, didn’t seem like such a big deal, but in hindsight begin to look like a well thought out master plan for my life, one that I never saw for myself.

And while I could tell you miraculous stories of how God has quickly answered prayer, I can also tell you stories of how He has worked patiently with me to change my attitude or behavior, to learn to trust when life hits really hard, or how He’s helped me slow down once in a while to just appreciate his handiwork, whether it’s in a spectacular sunset or the creativity He displays in nature as I watch the beautiful little birds that come to my birdfeeder.  Rather than being an example of mindlessness, as some might say, I prefer to say I’m an example of mindfulness, a higher awareness that I’m not alone and everything is not always up to me to know, explain or do.  I believe that He is ultimately in control and I’m okay with that.  My job is to keep learning, working hard, doing my best and looking towards the light of the Son, looking forward to what He has in store for me next.  Happy Easter!