Easter Brings…

Easter brings springtime:

Warmer weather, dogwoods in bloom, multi-colored azaleas busting out all over, greening grass and that awful yellow powder that makes all plant life possible: Pollen! It is the most beautiful time of year and also the most allergic. This is obviously an example of God’s system of checks and balances.

Easter brings new clothes:

Much like the foliage in spring, all are motivated to dress brightly. Pink, yellow, purple and multiple shades of green are among the favored selections. Stores are full of shoppers looking for the perfect outfit to introduce spring and summer fashion.

Easter brings ‘The Master’s:

Though golf’s biggest tournament does not always fall on Easter weekend, (this year it does), it is always within seven to fourteen days. Most enthusiasts look forward to this event more than any on the calendar. Even my bride, who cares little for “that silly game” watches the sharply clad participants and appreciates the magnificence of Augusta National in early April.

Easter brings pineapple sandwiches:

Remove the Dole pineapples from the can and place them on a paper towel so they can drain well. Then take the opened can and use it to cut out circular pieces of white bread (no crust allowed). Spread a little mayonnaise on the top piece of bread and assemble. I had never heard of such a sandwich until I experienced Easter lunch with my destined wife’s family for the first time and was immediately put in charge of making them. I was nervous about how her kinfolk would receive my rookie version of the recipe but they all seemed to enjoy. My future father-in-law upon finding out that I was responsible for making them did comment that they were a bit soggier than usual. I have since become the Permanent Pineapple Sandwich Preparer (PPSP).

Easter brings annoying kids’ stuff:

Included is that plastic grass that goes in Easter baskets, those sticky eggs that turn hands different colors and melted chocolate that gets all over everyone’s new clothes. If I could eliminate one of these items it would be the grass because it won’t go away. I continually find it for up to six months in obscure places throughout my home. Although it is inorganic, it somehow seems to magically produce seed and re-populate.

Easter brings to a close the Season of Lent:

Participants can return to drinking sodas and eating sweets. Fried foods and red meat are once again acceptable menu selections. Unlimited television and less exercise are back in order. What a relief! Or just maybe, some might have improved themselves physically, emotionally, and or spiritually through the Lenten process and learned valuable life lessons that they will carry always.

Easter brings Holy week:

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday: All are spellbinding days in their own moving ways. Inspiring, sobering, disturbing, and miraculous are the best descriptors for these respective Holy days. Each stirs a different passion and creates a hunger to become a better person

Easter brings a full church:

Some folks look at a packed church on Easter and think to themselves, “where have all these people been all year?” Most however, are just thankful for the marvelous day and the fact that so many individuals have chosen to praise as one. The singing vibrates the stained glass, the laughter contains more hilarity and the increase in smiles radiates the sanctuary.

Easter brings families together:

Three generations are often spotted together in church on Easter Sunday; sometimes even four. The day Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection also tends to be a time for family resurgence. The wonderful routine of worship together, a large lunch gathering and an afternoon of fun and fellowship still dominates the landscape of Easter. Enduring family memories are created year in and year out.

Easter brings a new beginning; a fresh start.

The Lenten season, Holy week and Easter Sunday offers a cleansing experience of the heart, soul, and mind. All are reminded of ultimate sacrifice. Everyone is challenged to reflect back and then move forward doing what is right and good. And each of us is awakened once again to the true meaning of love and encouraged to practice it in daily living.

What an awesome time: Happy Easter!