Having a Heart for Easter

Where Is Your Heart Today?

We are still in the beautiful season of Easter — a time the church sets apart for rejoicing and sharing the good news of resurrection. But if we are honest with ourselves, Easter in the Bible was not only a time of joy. It was also a time of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. The disciples huddled behind locked doors, struggling to release their doubts and step into belief. They did not yet understand what was unfolding around them.

And yet — Jesus was with them. Through every moment of uncertainty, every wave of doubt, every locked door, the risen Christ was present. The world had been forever changed by the cross and the empty tomb, and the love and eternal presence of Christ continued reaching out to his people.

Perhaps that describes where you are today. Maybe the Good News of Easter feels distant when you are carrying something heavy. I understand that — I really do. One bad night with a sick child can cast a shadow over my entire day. And if you are walking through real heartache, loss, or failure, life can feel genuinely out of control.

What I have found in those moments is that nothing is more healing than the presence of someone willing to simply show up. My oldest son has been teaching me this lately. When the baby is fussy and I am trying to keep the household running, my son does not wait to be asked. He just gets down on the floor and gives the baby his full attention — reading him a story, playing with him, being fully present. He never says he is too busy. And every time I watch him do it, I am reminded that presence is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer one another.

This week, as we celebrate Mother's Day, I find myself thinking about all the people — mothers and others — who have offered exactly that kind of love. The ones who show up. The ones who get down on the floor. The ones who make time when they do not have to.

We are still in Easter season. The gifts are still all around us. May we have eyes to see them — and hearts willing to be that gift for someone else.

Blessings, 

Pastor Brian