The old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” I would often recite these words as I trudged through the mud each April. I really, really do not like mud but even while grumbling about the mud I would often find a crocus peeking out from the drudgery. Just the signs and the thought of something beautiful coming from something so awful brought me comfort.
This April we will be trudging through the rest of Lent as we remember our own sins and seek repentance and restoration. We will trudge through the hardest part of Jesus’ story while on earth. We will remember his passion for God and God’s people. We will reflect on his journey toward the cross. We will again remember his stripes which heal us and the pain this caused our Savior. We will again remember the words spoken on the cross with great difficulty as find ourselves holding our breathes as these words are read.
We trudge through the darkness of Friday and the uncertainty of Saturday and we hurt. Lean into this hurt again this year so Jesus’ sacrifice can be felt to your very marrow.
Then remember…
Just like the showers of April bring something beautiful, the pain and suffering of Jesus brought into our lives something unbelievable, SALVATION. This salvation came at a price: the price of pain and suffering and the price of the cross and death.
Since the resurrection, we are offered this salvation freely. Kick off the mud of sin, which no longer has a hold on us and embrace the flowers of restoration given to us by Christ.
Out of the vile journey to the resurrection came something so beautiful: embrace it, grow into it, and share the flowers with others. Live EASTER every day of your lives.
Blessings and Happy Easter,
Pastor Linda
Pastor Linda’s Cell Phone: 585 330-0618
Pastor Linda’s Office e-mail: pastorlinda11@gmail.com