Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

Dearest God,

As is my usual tradition, this morning in the early dawn I stepped outside to listen for the celebration of Easter and I was not disappointed!  The birds were singing your song!  I heard no song but yours.  That was significant for me because I believe the birds and animals were the first to know of the rising of Jesus.  Since their senses are very keen, I imagine they saw and heard the stone rolling away and Jesus' quiet departure from the tomb.  And so on every Easter morning I leave the warmth of my home for the cool breeze of your spirit.

In my robe and socks I slipped outside on my patio.  The moment I opened the door I heard the joyous sound.  I walked out into my contemplative garden, stood on the first prayer stone, and smiled, real big.  I felt a layered kind of joy that seemed to wrap around the globe and I burst into singing.  "Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph o'er his foes.  He arose a victor from the dark domain and he lives forever with his saints to reign.  He arose!  He arose!  Hallelujah!  Christ arose!"  For the next several minutes in my pjs I sang out Easter hymns.  I wanted to proclaim my belief, my devotion,and my love for you so I sang.  I walked my prayer stones as I sang rejoicing in the good news.  When I reached the last stone, I turned north, and then west, and then south, and finally east, in the directions of Easter and I began to pray aloud all the while allowing the first joyous tears to collect.  Because I was full of joy, I just let them fall in thanksgiving.

Most Gracious God,
thank you
for Jesus Christ,
for faith
and all
it means.
Thank you
for living hope
and the joy
and peace
it brings.
Thank you
for Easter
and all
its blessings.
Be blessed,
my Lord!
Be blessed
by your
celebrating people,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea