Easter is simply the best holiday. It's more the meaning behind the holiday that makes it the best.
i think growing up i might have said my favorite holiday was Christmas or my birthday. in fact, i know i did say those were my favorites. (yes, my birthday was a holiday IMO)
my mom jokes that everyday is my birthday. a musing idea with possible truth. but i'd rather not admit that in public.
back to Easter, so the reason why it's so awesome, is that it's the key point of the gospel message. Christ single handedly deals with the problem of our sin and conquers it. but he does it in such a interesting way. He doesn't deal with the imminent problems, such as the present suffering directly, but instead goes to where the problem lies, which is the root of sin. He knows where the actual problem lies and that's the spiritual situation of our souls. Since we are prone to depravity and are born with sin, this is what needs to be dealt with. Thankfully his death and resurrection seals the WIN for the elect. Jesus ftw. hmm...i want a shirt with this or maybe a rubber livestrong type band. that'd be legittt.
this past weekend, i was able to go to lighthouse's good friday service and i can't tell you how awesome it was to worship and celebrate with them. my spirit has been excited, encouraged, and put on fire by their love for God. God definitely shows up and it's His presence that makes the entire time perf. i saw daniel who is Russ' good friend. funny running into him. =] goodstuff though.
Saturday was chill, i just kicked it with mike for most of the day and we went swimming. Gosh i want a pool. it's soo relaxing. not to mention the hot tub. =]
Sunday was easter and thus meant family time. drew came to church with me at lighthouse and we got breakfast before. man, breakfast is amazing. i need to start doing that more often. =] we went to lunch at marukai and enjoyed some good japanese food. yayyy. it always makes me so happy to hang out with the lighthouse young adults. they're so exciting to be around. after lunchies, i dropped drewski's off and went to my aunties where we celebrated micah's 6th bday and had some good food.
For the record, the easter egg hunt has been one of my favorite times to watch the kids. a great story was a few years back, we had easter at my house in fullerton. we hid eggs all around the back yard and there was one that was placed pretty high near the rain gutter. Micah saw this and in his mind, thought he could get it. His train of thought must've been, "if i run fast enough, i'll be able to jump high enough and grab that egg" still, barring a divine intervention there was no way he was getting this egg. lol. but alas he ran in a extra wide circle and while running at full speed, jumps into the air to try and grab the egg. (i'll continue this story at the end)
i was thinking about it recently and i tried to find an analogy of how we are in an easter egg hunt and God knows where every egg is hidden. He watches as we search for them and sometimes when we can't seem to find any in sight, He points us into the direction that they're hidden. the eggs could represent a multitude of blessings and treasure that come in faithful searching and seeking after Him. or possibly just being obedient...either way, He knows where they are all hidden and each contain different blessings. haha, maybe this is a terrible analogy, but the main fact is that God is all knowing in our lives and is sovereign with our lives for His will.
back to the story of micah. so he jumps and obviously doesn't get enough air. Thus he ends up going straight into the sidewall of my house. his body rebounds off the wall and he lands on his back. i think my entire family got a good laugh out of the kid for this. i actually think about this from time to time and chuckle to myself.
so i thought of another analogy for this. and it's simply the fact that we think we can do so many things that we just aren't physically, mentally or spiritually able to. This could be with anything in life...but the fact is that we're confined by our limitations and sin. but the best part about it is that Christ is able to do everything for us. all we have to do is ask for his help and he'll be there. we do nothing, except let go and allow Him to take over. How awesome. and how simple! i am slowly learning how to let go of more things in my life so that God can take over the helm of my life. it's not as easy as it sounds, but more and more i'm able to witness the immense amount of satisfaction and contentment that follows with obedience.
It's not easy to fight sin, but the fact that God provides the out and is sovereign in my life makes the battle already won. I just have to be obedient to trust. and know that He's got me. =]
happy easter everyone.
ahh such an encouraging post jt :) and so well written! you truly have a gift. i loved the easter egg analogy too, btw. GOD IS SO GOOD. catch up time soon preese!
That part of Micah made me laugh again, but I loved your insight on it and how it points to us!