Thoughts on the day

It's been an action-packed 24 hours around here. Almost overwhelming when it's all put together.

First of all, my thoughts and prayers go out to the folks in Mena, Arkansas. They got hit with a tornado last night, did some serious damage. I lived in Arkadelphia when that town was hit, and the news media is using the same terms as they did then. So, it's a mess down there.

Second, some storms of a different kind are erupting in Monticello. Not everyone, it seems, that is in ministry ought to be in ministry. Unfortunately, it's hard not get painted with the wide brush that will be breaking out soon.


I want right now to be a celebration of the Lord's resurrection. It's a great thing! Jesus is ALIVE! We get to celebrate. Unfortunately, life's little burdens are bearing down a little hard on me right now. I feel more like Cleopas before he met Jesus on the way to Emmaus than on the way back.

So, yes, Easter ought to be joyous. Good Friday is a day to reflect on the cost of our sin, but we shouldn't limit our reflection, mourning, joy, and celebration. Every hour is an hour to do all of these things! All of our lives are lived in the beautiful tension of unworthy sinfulness taken over by unmatched grace. This is the promise of Easter. That, in time, the tension goes away. Not always as we would hope, for I doubt the disciples wanted Jesus to ascend and go away, but as we need. Not as we would plan, but as He wills.

Let us remember: He is risen. He is risen indeed!!

Doug