Spring

Well the past week has been CRAZY! We have had a stomach bug that hasn't really given anyone much more than stomach cramps. I would much rather have a 24 hour bug where we get sick and then are over it. This is a "hangin' on" bug. AHHHH! This came on the heels of one of the worst 3 day migraines that I have ever had.

Needless to say it has been a rough week. But we truly enjoyed celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord with our friends and family. It is fun to listen to the kids talk about the fact that "He is alive!" with such wonder and awe.

We also have loved the "Madness" of basketball (especially the championship game) and Opening Day for MLB. As a sports loving family it was a great weekend for sports. In honor of Opening Day we have a family tradition of grilling hot dogs. It's like officially recognizing spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Play Ball!

Spring is my favorite time of year. I love watching the trees bud, the grass turn green, hearing the birds, and being able to get outside. I love the fresh air. It does wonders for the body and soul. I love how the cobwebs of winter get blown away and everything becomes new again.

Not only does the Earth get a "do-over" this time of year, but with Easter we are reminded of the second chances we get. God sent his Son to pay the price and give us the chance to live, not just eternal life but also a spiritual rebirth to live here on Earth. God came to give us life. Because of His death I live. I love this verse: "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:22)

There is such hope with the arrival of spring. But there is even greater hope in the death of Christ. You see, it wasn't nails that kept Jesus on the cross, it was his immeasurable love for you and me. His love for us kept Him there, it allowed death to overtake His body. I am always amazed by the fact that He could have ended it at any time, He could have come down off that cross. He had proven during His ministry that with a word He could command nature, He could heal, He could raise the dead. With one word, He could have summoned angels, He could have said "Enough". But His love was demonstrated in His death. "There is no greater love than laying down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13)

As we enjoy the spring time weather and all the activities it brings, let us also be mindful of the death that gave us life, and not just life, but life abundant. (John 10:10) Enjoy the abundance of color, the abundance of noises (from birds to frogs to crickets to kids playing), the abundance of new life, but more than any of that I hope that you enjoy the life you have been called to in Him. While we have been given life because of His death, He didn't stay in that tomb, He rose and is alive. This fact brings us an even greater hope. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55) We have nothing to fear. We have life to the full with no need to fear death. His death took care of it, for you see the hope is this, even when our mortal bodies give out we still have life.