As I head toward birthday #54 in July this year, I have noticed that through years, the season of Spring time has become more and more meaningful to me each passing year. This last week on car rides to and from my kiddos school I have driven slowly through neighborhoods and pointed out to Leo, Ella and Jordan every tree that was blossoming and the assortment of new flowers blooming with each passing day. The kids delighted to notice the new leaves, new colors and new life of Springtime and our car rides were filled with “Ooooo’s" and "Ahhhh’s", laughter and joy sharing in the beauty of creation.
Truth be told, this leukemia has worn me down the past couple of months. I am not complaining or asking for any pity, but it has slowed me down, even stopped me cold a couple of days, unable to get the kids to and from school, or art class or jui jitsu lessons. Overall, I count it a blessing to still be here, writing, sharing and loving as best I can and I do notice a new energy in my spirit as the days have gotten longer, the clock was moved ahead and the blossoming of the landscape washes over me. I do love Springtime.
And the crowning moment of Springtime for me has become the Easter celebration and the eternal implication it represents in my faith. Easter has always been significant to me, and in some years the meaning of Easter has overwhelmed me to the point of uncontrollable tears and sobbing at the foot of the cross on Good Friday.
Yesterday, my daughter Ella asked me in such earnest and innocent perplexedness; "Daddy, why would they call today Good? Friday, when what happened was so bad?” I stumbled for an answer to fit the mind and heart of my beautiful 6 year old. what came to me was a sermon I heard when I was in high school by a famous Christian speaker, Tony Campolo. His talk consisted one sentence. "ITS FRIDAY, BUT SUNDAY IS COMING." And he said that phrase over and over for 5 minutes, changing which word he emphasized each time, over and over as he spoke to a church. by the end of the five minutes, the congregation was so riled up in worship you could hardly hear Dr. Campolo speak. It gave me chills that first time, and every time thereafter I have heard that recording, as if I were there in person.
And so, with that thought in mind, I answered sweet Ella by saying ‘Because Sunday is coming!’ And I got choked up as I did. My eyes are blurry as I type the words just now.
No more needs to be said. Springtime is here, and SUNDAY IS COMING.
Happy Easter.
Amen and AMEN!