Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023

Dear God,

As I do every Easter Sunday, I listened outside in the darkness for the sound of the birds.  I always thought they were the first to sing praise to God for resurrection.  I was not disappointed but what I heard was different than ever before.  "Hoo, hoo, hoo." The owl cried.  I hear it now as "Who?  Who?  Who?"  Jesus, I believe is the answer.

Easter is not the same year after year.  To the attentive eye and ear, we see and hear something distinct, something perhaps unique.  The owl's message was mine this year.

I want something new.  I want to know I have changed throughout the year so I hear more deeply ready for the yearly message.  I want a new heart, a new mind, new ears and eyes.  I want to give evidence that the year just lived is not the same old story but one that is ever fresh as faith comes alive each new day. I want my life to embody the message of Good Friday even before I get to Easter.  I want to be the person you created, not the one I tend to tarnish, color or mar.  I want to be resurrected too.

Blessed are you,

Loving God Almighty,

for you

give every

good gift.

Thank you

for Easter

and all

its challenges.

Thank you

for the owl

whose message

I heard

loud and clear.

Love, Andrea