new again

there is something so refreshing about this time of year.  a time of warmth and growth that for months felt like would never come, and it would just be snowy and cold forever. things around here are just starting to bloom and there’s beauty in it all. when i look out my window from my desk there are a couple trees, and only the tiniest one is starting to bloom. All the others are starting to look green, but there’s just one small one that is covered in pink blossoms. and it makes me happy. happy to think that they are all being made new again. happy to think that because of what happened on this day, i have been made new again. there is SO much power in the cross, but there’s even more in the resurrection. without the resurrection, nothing would matter. so often people only focus on the cross and how sad and absolutely horrible it was. while all that is true and definitely something to reflect on and appreciate, that was not the end of the story… praise be to God! Jesus conquered the grave! This is one of my favorite passages after the resurrection, because I can feel Mary’s pain and tears, and then I can hear and picture the adoration and affection in his voice as he calls her name….

“Then the discpiles when back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look in the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out ini Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).” – John 20: 10-18

He calls your name. He desires to catch your tears. and He desires to make us new again, just like He was when He rose from the grave!

Happy Easter Sunday! The tomb is still empty! Hallelujah!