March 2016 Jottings

Jottings…

I find as I get older I spend a lot of time reminiscing - you know, the good ole days. Such memories have been reinforced with the passing of my father. I had all my own thoughts and memories flood my heart and mind and then conversations with family and friends reinforced the stories of life growing up. My parents did a great job of giving us wonderful memories.

We had many special traditions. I know I have already shared some of those concerning Christmas. Easter had its own traditions: a wonderful ham dinner with my parents and maternal grandparents. One year my grandmother prepared rabbit in addition to the ham. It did NOT taste like chicken despite what my mom promised. Easter was also a time for Easter egg hunts – outside if the Ohio weather was nice enough and inside if it wasn’t. My mom always created beautiful colored eggs and allowed my brother and I to make our own.

As nice as Easter was for family traditions and events, I would have to say Christmas holds even better memories as a child and I much more looked forward to that holiday. Until I became a Christian as a sophomore in high school. It was Sunday, March 12 that I was born again in Christ. Easter came on April 2 that year and my heart and soul were deeply moved by all Christ had done for me. Although I still enjoyed and celebrated later Christmases, Easter now reigned as my preferred holiday.

I am still plumbing the depths of Christ’s sacrificial death and His miraculous resurrection. I invite you to focus not just on ham or Easter eggs or good family times but on the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection for you. Do this as we move through our Lenten series on Heart Check. Do this by joining us for an Easter sunrise service and church service. Do this as you read and pray and reflect in your own times of study and devotion.

- Pastor Brian