“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)
A few years ago, shortly before Easter, I took my daughters to see their adopted Grandma Aunt Rae one last time. The girls and I had longed to say “goodbye” but had been prevented from visiting because of our various illnesses. When we finally arrived, Aunt Rae had just slipped into a deep sleep. Nine-year-old Christine pulled out her violin and began playing a chorus by Handel as we all watched for any flicker of awareness.
When Christine finished playing, she turned back to us, tears streaming down her face. She had quietly sobbed while she played, futilely hoping her Grandma would acknowledge her last notes. My heart broke for Christine and for my seven-year-old daughter, Julia, who both longed to say “I love you” again.
But because of Easter, someday they will.
On the way home, we discussed how we would see Aunt Rae and talk to her again. Because she died before Easter, she would spend a glorious resurrection day in heaven. We may not always get to say all our earthly goodbyes, but we look forward to an eternity of hellos. All because of Easter.
The One who conquered death can also bring us life anew. All because of Easter. The same God who rolled away the stone can roll away unmovable stones in our lives. “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and we will raise us also.” (1 Corinthians 6:14)
What seems dead in your life? What needs healing or reconciliation? Bring it to the Lord in consistent and committed prayer. Because of Easter you can have a heart full of hope and joy. Alleluia!
About Ann Stewart
Ann just won the Christy Award for Best Debut Novel of 2017 with Stars in the Grass, originated AMG’s Preparing My Heart series, and writes “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” for The Country Register. When she's not writing, she's waving her arms directing musicals, teaching middle schoolers, or watching UVA Basketball, This is Us, or Madam Secretary. In her free time she hangs out with her husband, raising two lovely daughters and a whole flock of fuzzy sheep on Skye Moor Farm, in Virginia--where unscripted drama provides plenty of entertaining material.
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