It’s Easter Monday. The kids are back at school, the houseguests have left, and my life has returned to whatever normal is supposed to be. It’s pretty quiet, and that leaves me time to reflect on this past month or so. We had many enjoyable times. We watched our middle daughter shine on stage during Mamma Mia, and we were privileged to work with a group of devoted parents who supported the kids. We spent a few days away in Maine with my whole side of the family. We relaxed, walked through nature, snuggled with puppies, gave the kids an Easter egg hunt, visited two colleges, and made memories. When we returned, it was with a renewed spirit and a clearer perspective on what is essential in our lives.
Yesterday’s sermon focused on being the light, not just accepting that light in your life, but being it. I took that to mean acting like Jesus, which made me reflect on the words we recited of the Baptismal Covenant. We routinely answer, “I will, with God’s help.” The words of the covenant made me think.
I’ve been upset lately about a lot of what is happening in this world around me. A lot of hate is being allowed to surface, and I don’t know what to do about it. My oldest daughter feels this hate in black and white, especially as she was exposed to the speech made about people who are Autistic being unworthy and a drain on the world. Imagine being 19, autistic, and just starting your adult life out, and hearing you are undeserving and not worthy?
So, as I sit in church and I read, hear, and speak God’s words, I find myself praying for a way to express and communicate all the feelings that accompany any time I read or hear something on social media or in the news or in the community that makes me angry and sad. I know that Jesus taught us to help those who have less, to love our neighbors, to resist evil, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every person and animal. So, I have no real idea of how to effect change, but I do know I need to lead as Jesus asks in our Baptismal Covenant. I cannot claim to be a Christian and throw an exception every time I meet someone I don’t like. I must find love in my heart, even for those who demonstrate an extreme lack of affection. That means loving even those who perpetuate hate. This is a monumental task, and one that I will strive to accomplish every day.
I pray this Easter season will bring a renewed sense of life, purpose, and joy to all those around me, that we will live with love in our hearts and continue to inspire others to do the same. I pray that on days when I forget this promise, I am reminded through God’s loving presence in my heart and soul.