You may have (and if you haven’t… where have you been???) noticed the signs… Everywhere you look proclomations of an impending holiday. Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs, declarations of the arrival of spring (or autumn!). Parades and Easter Bonnets.
Hip Hip Hooray. What Joy.
Joy in Choclolate. Joy in Seasonal Change. Joy in a 4 day weekend.
Bah Humbug.
The real Joy of course, for the believers, is in salvation the holiday rembers; the celebration of a sacrifice horrific in the extreme. A sacrifice at once personal and universal and one I am embarassed to admit is one that has scarcely touched me this year even as we approach Easter. Even as I work in an instutition whose very foundation is build on the life of the sacrifice Himself.
I had intended to write of another anniversary, the 1st marking the end of an era in my life but I find myself more conscious of the stance of my soul towards Him. I am listening to someone sing of Him and for the 1st time in a long time, I am moved, I feel myself turn and see his hand outstretched. His smile warm and his arms, oh so inviting.
Who am I to be so singled out?
His creation,
His daughter,
His servant.
His precious.
And all at once I am once again moved toward him. Even ashamed at my neglect, at my wilful withdrawl and rebellion I look up, redfaced
and hopeful.
And He takes my face in his hands, tears streaming down both our cheeks and he kisses my forhead, wraps his strong arms around me and doesn’t let go.
In Love?
Yes, I am.
Huge smile here too.
my reaction as I read this; tears followed by a big smile.
I’m glad for you, and isn’t he lovely.