Easter 2021 - A Choice

I will confess that each year as Easter comes into view on the horizon, and Holy Week is celebrated, I often struggle.

This is my 71st Easter and sometimes, as cosmic and tragic and victorious as the whole Gospel Weekend is, I don’t feel that thrill that I remember I once felt. 

I often ask the Lord, “Do it again. Make my heart stop one more time. Take my breath away.” 

Please don’t let me get drowned in baby chicks and chocolate Easter bunnies. It’s hard to keep my head on straight in Walmart.

This year, He showed up big time. I’m not even sure who I was talking with about kids and parents’ unconditional love, but it led us to talking about the movie “Sophie’s Choice.” It has been a long time (1982) since I saw it, and I am NOT recommending it. But I can never forget Meryl Streep, rushing from the prison camp and being told she could only take one of her two small children on the train. Sophie had to pick one and the other would die. Horror! How can you choose! 

And then I saw it, another parent had to choose between his Son and me. One of us had to die so that the other could live. The son; perfect in every way. Me; a mess. 

And my Father in Heaven chose me – and his Son died.
 
Hosanna, this is something every child of God can say. One by one; all over the world.

Easter 2021 has taken my breath away.

And   HE IS RISEN!  

Author

Lois Shaw has been a part of the PCC community for over 30 years, currently serving on the Advisory Council of Women (ACW). She loves nothing more than plunging into a good Bible Study, or enjoying a great book discussion. She is exhausted by a brisk walk and energized by a challenging Scrabble game. She is married to Mark, and enjoys serving with him as part of Peninsula Fellows. Lois has children and grandchildren in Gloucester, VA and Goma, Congo.