Easter 2009

A lovely Easter day. It really was beautiful.

Somehow it seemed that we were a little out of our routine, with General Conference replacing regular meetings last week, but we had a relatively smooth morning and made it to church close enough to "on time" that we still found room on a pew for our family and stuff. I usually enjoy the messages on Easter, as well as the opportunity to take the Sacrament with my mind a little more focused on its significance. Today my mind was a little more scattered, for some reason--distracted by trips to the bathroom with the kids, other little things going on around me. I wish I could remember more from the talks of two returned missionaries, but I am grateful for the spirit I felt when they spoke. I'm grateful to know what Jesus Christ has done for me.

I had a sweet moment before bedtime with the kids. We got them some Scripture Story DVDs for Easter and tonight I watched a few with them. We watched the chapters about Jesus in Gethsemane, the crucifixion and the Resurrection. I was touched by some of the language in these simplified versions of the Easter story. In describing Jesus' suffering in the garden, it said "Jesus was praying. He was sad. He began to shake. Blood came out of his skin. All his body hurt. It hurt because he was suffering for the sins of all people." Maybe it's because I am in a season of life where I'm teaching my young kids, but these were the words that reached me the most today. At the same time I sensed my kids understanding a little bit more about that important moment, I also felt a nudging reminder for myself that this really happened. That Jesus suffered and "all his body hurt" for me.

I've been touched by the passing of significant people in my life in recent years. I know that part of what Easter brings is the reminder that we will live again. I know that Jesus' Atonement makes this possible. I'm grateful for this comfort...especially as I acknowledge that people I love here on earth will continue to pass on. I'm not strong enough to lose people without the hope of ever seeing them again.