Easter comes, and Easter goes. And we are reminded quickly enough that, Easter or no Easter, the world is still the world, people still people. We can stay only so long at the empty tomb; we can linger only so long with angels and excited witnesses. The stuff of life calls us away. And maybe it's just as well. How long, after all, can we really bear to look into the mystery?
Easter comes, and Easter goes. And we are left to make our way through all the other days that, frankly, aren't quite as holy as that one.
But before we have traveled too far from Easter Sunday, before we leave it behind like some egg too well hidden, let's take one more look into that empty tomb and carry some truths with us.
Easter is God's Yes. Easter is life. Easter is hope. Easter is the gracious way of Christ proclaimed victorious. And Easter is real.
Therefore, as you make your way from tomb to world, remember it's OK to expect more of life:
- Idealism is permitted, even encouraged.
- You are allowed to show grace and kindness without apology.
- Feel free to take the high road and invite others to join you.
- You may, if you wish, simply refuse to use the word "impossible."
- Feel free to expect more of life and of yourself.
- It is all right to demand justice for everyone, and it's OK even to forgive.
- It is perfectly all right if you would like to try on compassion and wear it around the neighborhood.
- It is OK to love.
- It is OK to seem strange and smile at friends and strangers alike ... for no particular reason.
- It is OK to pause and enjoy the riches of life, to listen to birds singing, to watch clouds move where they will, to put away your phone and notice ... everything.
- It is OK to live. Fully, with heart, mind, and soul wide open. God has said so.
- And finally remember that you have some good news. You know that God wins. You know a new life in Jesus Christ, and you know that the way of love is the way the new life is lived and shared in this world. Leave the empty tomb with a full heart, ready to touch lives with the grace of our living Lord.
Because when all is said and done, Easter comes, and Easter goes ... with us.
