Because He Lives

Fu hou Jie kuai le! 復活節快樂！

Happy Easter! 

Today, I am missing friends, family, as well as the traditions of my past.

A very normal reaction when living in a culture so dramatically removed from that of your heart.

Especially on a day so special and significant.

Growing up, the significance of this day, grew from memory making events.

Each year, a sunrise service was held outside, at sunrise. Not trying to be redundant, but most sunrise services nowadays begin after sunrise. Convenience outweighs accuracy.

As the first light of dawn creeped over the horizon. we would begin the trek up the hill behind the church. Boots, hats, and usually gloves were a must! The weather didn't matter; we went in rain and snow.

By the time the sun made its appearance, the small congregation was singing that old hymn "Because He Lives". That was what the day was all about- celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior! As a small child, the memories were embedded deeply. I miss those days.

As an adult, sunrise services continued to be a highlight of Easter.

Every year, the kids and I would build a tomb. Some years we made it from paper mache'. Other years our building material was the ever present Legos. Good Friday. the chosen Jesus (for years it was a Ronald McDonald figurine) was wrapped in white gauze and carefully laid inside our tomb. Early Easter morning, before waking the kids, I would unwrap "Jesus", leaving the burial clothes outside the door of the tomb. Jesus would then be placed some where within the house, waiting to be found. When the kids got older, the tradition stopped. I miss it.

As an adult, Easter service typically meant singing a cantata at church. I think I got more from singing those songs than if I had been in the congregation listening. So many great memories- memories of standing next to Joyce, and eventually Sarah. Memories of Ramona's solos and Bob's expertise and joyous directing.

I miss these special friends.

And finally, gathering with my mom and sister's family. Stuffing ourselves with yummy food. Just hanging out, enjoying each other's company. I miss them!

Today Nick and Ben are in Oklahoma. Abbi is in Thailand. We are spread out across the world.

But that's ok.

Yes, I miss all these things, but God has given me something else...

Watching the face of a student when he suddenly connected the dots between the blood of the lamb on the doors of the Israelites enslaved by Pharaoh and that of the blood Jesus. The perfect lamb sacrificed so our lives could be spared!

Or having a student lean over and whisper into my ear that she asked Jesus into heart last year while watching the children's version of the Jesus film. 

Or being with a student as he asked Jesus to forgive his sins and be his Lord and Savior.

Or hearing the kindergarten teacher share how her student exclaimed, "I KNEW JESUS DIED ON A CROSS, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HE DID IT FOR ME!"

Yes, I miss my Ohio Easter traditions.

Yes, I miss my church family.

And yes, I most certainly miss my family members.

But, its ok. For now, God has other plans!