Easter memories

[tiggerrrt]

My earlies memory of Easter was getting up before it was even light out and going to Sunrise service with my mother and grandmother.  I will be honest and admit it was more because we got to go to breakfast afterwards and my other siblings usually never went so it was alone time with my mom and granny.  I remember the hush of the sancutary, the overwhelming smell of lilies and the strange feeling of joy that seemed to go through the congretation..but was confused becasue didn't he die?

Now though Sunrise service takes on a new meaning...I'm older and understand...the hush of promise, the smell of lilies now is hope, joy of the great news the tomb is empty.  I understand the feeling of confusion because the grief was so much from Friday and now the hope is so much it almost doesn't seem real.  I know the story, have heard it so many times yet each time it fills me with such joy.

I love Christmas and the coming of the baby, the joy, the hope...the giving.  But I LOVE Easter for the love and promise it gives. I pray that one day my own dd who often accompanies me to sunrise service (her brother NEVER wants to get up) will one day see the same thing.