NOW what?

Easter.  So long anticipated, so late in arriving this year, has come and gone.

You may have gathered with a group of strangers on a windswept beach at o'dark thirty.  A house church, a public school, a sanctuary with beautiful stained glass windows, or a jam-packed civic center may have been the location of your community adoration of our risen Redeemer.

*

You may have relished a lovely gathering with your nearest and dearest and will long remember the relationships at the heavily laden table, surrounded by the sweet love that permeated the room.

Or you might have eaten a tasteless meal alone, curled up for an afternoon nap, or headed off to the movies by yourself.

*

There might have been Bible lessons for little ones in the gleeful creating of Resurrection Rolls out of croissants and marshmallows enthusiastically rolled in spices.

Or simply a crazed mad dash for hidden eggs, baskets swinging wildly in little hands as eager feet surged ahead in the backyard hunt for sugar-stuffed treasures carefully hidden.

*

You may be picking at the leftovers today, nibbling on some salty ham, or peeling yet another hard boiled egg as you clean up the scattered remnants of the celebration.

Or aimlessly popping another jelly bean or Cadbury egg into your mouth even as we speak.

*

When all is said and done, John 20:10 - 21:25 is a pivotal place for us to land as we pack away the serving platters, the stuffed bunnies, and familiar baskets that have been tossed aside yet one more time.  For there is a post-traumatic stress that emerges for Jesus' beloved companions that must be considered as they emerge from their witness of His torturous death and mind-numbing resurrection ... and the gradual realization that their Savior just might be leaving them forever.

This is a story of deep relationships, a tale of intimate conversations, the processing of untold horrors, and consideration of immense soul-searching questions. The Holy Spirit is given and miraculous signs appear.  An overloaded boat groans with fish and a beachside grillfest is gratefully received. 

Their tears and fear collide with joy and doubt and peace.  Just like our own.  And the question begs to be asked. 

As April wends its way to a close, what's Jesus inviting ME to?

 

 Debby's eggs adorn her family table

Sharing the question with Laura  *  Holley  *  Emily

 

Please join me for every post