resurrection sunday
we had such a lovely easter weekend. extra time together. lots of outdoor activities (even if some included a spring cleaning of the backyard...cue the allergies) and walks and breakfast dates with "scones and caffeine" at elinor's request. funny girl.
thursday and friday were slower. close to home. quiet. reflective. and then the excitement started to build on saturday, leading up to a very celebratory sunday. when elinor awoke, we asked her what we celebrate on easter and she responded with: "hmmm...probab-y God". our little theologian. but for the rest of the day, she was yelling "HE IS RISEN!!!!" so she delved deeper (and became more enthusiastic) as the sugar kicked in.
we put on our happiest clothes (i wore one of my grandma may's frocks) and attended our church service together.
after church, we enjoyed some easter brunch with my side of the family. ben made english muffins (my favorite) and we assembled breakfast sandwiches to pair with fruit and yogurt and mimosas. with ice cream for dessert.
the little ones did an egg hunt and played outside with the water table and generally, partied it up. it was everything an easter should be.
lately, i have been struck with such an overwhelming sense of gratitude. and i felt it so keenly over the weekend. God is so good to us. so kind to us. i am so grateful for family. for nourishment. for our church home. for laughter. for the sweetness of a new season. for fragrant air. for refreshing water. for growth. for learning. for music. for play. for the richness of scripture. for new life. for abundant life. for the fullness of the christian life. for Christ's earthly example, his sacrificial death, his victorious resurrection. how sweet is our salvation.
thank you Jesus for being obedient. for enduring mockery and scorn. for remaining silent under scrutiny and unjust judgement. for being brutally beaten, pierced by thorns, stripped and embarrassed. for walking the road of shame under the weight of the cross. for bearing the scourge of sin. for yielding your spirit. for being a willing sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice.
isaiah 53:5 | but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
i am so thankful for His healing. and how i love to celebrate this remarkable day on my calendar - on the church calendar - on the eternal calendar. this day that is everything to us.
Solus Christus. Sola Gratia. Sola Fide. Soli Deo Gloria.