Reflect.

With Good Friday and Easter quickly approaching, I've taken a few moments to reflect upon these most sacred days that we observe.

Here I sit, sipping my coffee on this most glorious spring morning and I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I'm admiring the outrageously blue skies and the sun is boldly shining through the windows reminding me that life and vitality is of this season- this season that is always so welcome after the cold and bitter winter. I don't think it to be a concidence that we observe Passover, Good Friday and Easter during the spring season. A season of refreshing, renewal and life.

I reflect with an inward and outward dimension. When we reflect, it is good for the soul and spirit.

So, I reflect on the death of our Savior. A pure and spotless man who lived his life blamelessly came to give His life so brutally, that we may experience the sweet power of forgiveness, grace and mercy. There is no love greater than this.

I reflect on my sweet Savior's resurrection. His resurrection means eternal life for me. Amazing love, indeed.

I reflect on restoration and renewal. Renewing my commitment to my Lord. Renewing relationships and friendships and allowing God to restore my broken heart. Making the decision to pick up the pieces and make things whole again with His divine assistance in my life. Heaven knows I can't do it myself.

I reflect upon the vast amount of blessings in my life. Blessings that I take for granted on a day to day basis. I am afforded luxuries day in and day out that some may never have. I am truly thankful and sadly, I do not show my appreciation often enough.

I reflect on the lost and the hurting. The ones who have no direction in life. The ones who are undergoing immense pain and agony as they search for something of value, something to believe in and something to live their lives for. My heart aches as I refect upon these that our Father's heart longs for. May my life be lived in such a way that I would be a light in the darkness, peace in the chaos and a voice of truth in this dismal world. I desire that my hands and my heart would always show love, pure love.

I encourage you to take a moment at some point this weekend and look inwardly as we observe these next few days.

Let not the painted boiled eggs, pastel colors, peep sugar highs, bunnies and honey glazed hams distract us from the true meaning and purpose of this beautiful Holiday. I thoroughly enjoy all of those things, believe me. However, the fact remains that these days represent when my Lord and Savior was ruthlessly crucified and died and rose again so that we may experience love, mercy, forgiveness, grace and abundant life. May my eyes and heart be fixed upon what is of utmost importance this beautiful season.

And as I reflect, I feel refreshed. The resurgent energies of the vastly approaching spring, the boundless, sweet and precious love given to me because Jesus gave his life. What peace, happiness, and unimaginable blessings He has given to us. We are so blessed.

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He has risen." -Luke 24:5