Resurrection Day!

"He is risen!"
"He is risen indeed!"

A call and response I once would have seen as just tradition, forced and rote, even meaningless meant so much to me yesterday. Being with followers of Jesus celebrating the event that changed everything. For me. For us all. It was awesome. We celebrated at Annie and Justin's church with J's entire fam on Saturday night. Annikah was too loud, giggled with her cousins, made comments about the "fancy" lights, danced in the aisle, and sang wrong words too loudly. I had tears in my eyes thinking I never will take for granted the gathering of the saints again. The gathering together for worship, prayer, encouragement and to be reminded that He is good. So Good.

Celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Celebrating new Life. Worshiping a Holy God. Saying thank you for a perfect plan, for His sacrifice for sinners, for His provision, and abundance. And the beauty of it is that His spirit resides in me. Even in my moments of shaky doubts. And in my moments of sold faith. He is in it all. Miracle.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Just our family went to church on Sunday morning too. Anni was begging to go again and J and I just wanted to be there to say it: He is Risen! and hear the response by His people. To together proclaim His truths. I was reminded that faith depends not on me but on the object of my trust. We all trust in something. The question worthy of reflection is in what do we place our trust? Our skills, our family, our health, our abilities, our money, or the One who is. Who has always been and will always be. The One who has proved Himself faithful in human history. And in my life. The small moments and the huge. In everything. God intercedes and Jesus' promises are worthy of my faith. My life.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Easter reminds us we have seen miracles. Resurrection. Triumph over death. All that is seen is not all there is. And it reminds me we have much to long for. Redemption. Fullness. Life.

Happy Resurrection Day!