As Easter Sunday approaches, I find myself contemplating the Cross and Christ’s Resurrection.

Everywhere I go, walking, running errands or even alone my thoughts continue to wrap around this Gospel message of hope and eternal healing, of rebirth and renewal, and of celebration and miraculous occurrences. It has been kinda of a constant cerebral conversation.

I work to replay the events of Holy Week in my mind. Then, I try to understand the emotions attached to the events. I ask myself, “What did the people witness and how did they respond?”

Of course, each mini-series evokes a unique set of feelings, stretching from humility to horror and then onto heartbroken. As Jesus moves through the acts of the Easter story, the setting shifts as well.

Like Jesus, in my own pressed state I have spent time in the garden. Gardens have always served as an inspiring backdrop in the Bible. After all, God first planted humanity in a garden in Eden. And the most redemptive act in history began in a garden in Gethsemane. And the story ends in Revelation with the image of the garden taking over the City of God.

Like Jesus, my garden served me during my own season of sorrow.  “Elizabeth, anything to do with nature is healing and good for the soul” I was told.  In response, I grabbed a hoe and hoped for the best. Certainly, tears were shed, as I shoveled the dry soil.  However, there was a healing component to digging in and getting dirty.

Today, my garden continues to serve me. However, it is in a new way! Rather than seeking the comfort the warmth of the earth has to offer, I sing in celebration about what has sprouted!!! As well, the overwhelming growth and the abundance of fruit that is growing in the box of miracles in my backyard!!!

It’s magical to pull a carrot out of the ground and exciting to see a ruby red strawberry gracefully hang from its thin green stem. The zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower buds are poised to break open and the eggplants are lush and tinted lavender. The carrots are ready and the tomatoes are ripening.  Yes, my vegetables plants are poised to have a party.

 

 

And, my friends, so are we. As we approach the Celebration of Resurrection,  we as believing Christians know the glory that is coming!!!

Remember, we are a resurrection people!

We celebrate this belief in unity on Easter!

Together, we affirm the miracle of Jesus rising from the dead and ascending into Heaven, Together, we acknowledge the triumph of light over dark and as the body of Christ give thanks for the gift of eternal life.  Easter is the anniversary, the yearly commemoration of all these things.

However, the little box of miracles in my backyard reminds me resurrection happens everyday.  That seeds planted and buried deep in the dirt, because of a miracle, can grow into a maturing plant with an abundance of  fruit.

Jesus’ miracles of renewal and regeneration are evident and alive in the world around us. His power loves people to life and His message brings beauty out of our brokenness.

So today and everyday, I celebrate the miracle of Resurrection and what it represents!!

 

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