Happy Easter 2010

Easter Sunday 2010. While I may not be as good at attending church like I should, and want to, I do NOT miss Christmas or Easter services.

This year proved to be an exception.

I got sick last night. The *worst* kind of sick for me...nausea. So I was not able to make it to this Sunday's Easter Service.

D took the kids and while I was so thankful at least they were going, I felt so incredibly excluded. Why? Because on this weekend, of all weekends, when we should feel the most gratitude for everything we have in this world...I didn't get to go celebrate for THE thing I am MOST grateful for. My family.

I DID start feeling better and we DID spend the day together, but I really missed not being able to go with them this morning.

Do they feel as lucky for the family I feel lucky for? Did they miss me being at church this morning? Was I way over-dramatizing this? Ya think?... . (Who me?!).

In all seriousness, I did miss going with them. So I did the next best thing. Found a church service on television and watched it and opened my mind and ears to the message He wanted me to hear.

It was on encouragement. He said of all the things that have ever happened in this world, what could be more encouraging than the fact He already erased all our sins by His act. Also, more encouragement...He actually rose from the dead. Not as a ghost. As HIM. He did everything He said He would do.

And here's the kicker...He did it all for us and that made me feel somehow silly for being pouty as my family walked out the door. Because they were coming back in about an hour. Many people have lost sight of what is important in their lives OR worse, place their importance on material things. The only thing we have to do is recognize these things and embrace them.
So, even though I started out this Easter Sunday selfishily pouting because I didn't get to go to church with my family, I'm ending it knowing I'm able to give Him back a gift today also.  I will be the best person, wife, mom, friend I can possibly be to these people He placed in my life because He trusted me to do just that when He blessed me with them. And I don't want to let Him, them OR myself, down by giving any less than I should. And when I need encouragement to do more, I'll remember what He did for us.
Happy Easter.