Monday, April 5, 2021

Donna Wheeler

Resurrection

The definition of Resurrection means a 'raising up', or 'rising up' from the Greek word ANASTASIS. In the verb form it means 'to cause to stand or rise up; to raise from sleep or from the dead'.

I don’t think there is anyone that does not think that the year 2020 put our lives “to sleep”. We were all put on hold in what we did or did not do or where we went or did not go. As I reflect back, 2020 was not a year of all negatives. It gave us the time to take a long, hard look at how we function as individuals, a community and a nation.

We had taken so much for granted. A hug – how good will that feel (second shot) when I can again hug my grandchildren after a year of virtual hugs. Just the typical act of going to the grocery store without thinking – do I have my mask, will the store be crowded, how much “community spread” is there, do I need to perhaps shop in a more “safe” community and will toilet paper be available (I still don’t understand that one). A handshake. Holidays spent with family and friends. Meeting friends for lunch in a restaurant. Going to church.

The pandemic has caused us to “search for our better angels”. Slowing down our world has forced us to become more attune to nature - those endless walks have been a catharsis for staying inside. Family dinners where everyone is present. These are the things that we need to take with us as we “raise from sleep” and emerge anew, hopefully better and more present. By the grace of God, we made it through this year.

Sunday was Easter – the true Resurrection. Jesus died for our sins and arose from the dead to give us a better world. My hope is that, as we “resurrect” from the pandemic, we will notice the crocus pushing their heads up from the warming earth, continue to focus on the good in our families, the community, the world and be truly grateful for all that God has given us.