Full

I don't typically get REAL food...meaning, good home cooked meals that actually take time and love to prepare.  But Sunday was Easter.  And Easter typically means a big family meal.  I don't have family close by to celebrate with, but it always seems like someone in my church family steps up and invites me to be a part of their family for the day.  This year was no different. 

Can I just say how much I love people who have made an effort to be aware of the situations and needs of others around them?  Not because I've been on the receiving end of their hospitality (although, I am truly grateful), but because they are such an example to me of generosity, and they inspire me to extend similar graciousness to others.  I love how each and every year, I've been made to feel like I am a part of each of these families that I've had the privilege of sharing Easter with.  I love the amazing food they've all prepared, the laughter, seeing the crazy inner circle of loving families, and celebrating the holiday with incredible godly people.  I am so full.  Full to overflowing.  Not just with food (trust me, I NEVER walk away hungry), but mostly full with that warm fuzzy feeling of good quality community I have within my church family.

I love celebrating Easter with my church family.  But Easter is so much more than a meal.  There is such an excitement that surrounds the day.  It's a day to focus on what Christ has done for us even though we could never do anything to deserve it.  But more than that, I am full to overflowing with joy because it isn't limited to just one holiday.  We can celebrate Christ's loving sacrifice EVERY day.  And I'm so thankful that I can gather with my church family to celebrate Jesus EVERY week.  Easter is all about Christ and the sacrifice He made for us.  But it isn't only about the fact that He was beaten and bruised, that He willing laid down His life, and that He died for us.  It doesn't end there.  That's where it begins!!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

The women who saw the empty tomb were full to overflowing...filled with joy!!  Christ has risen!!  And two thousand years later, I, too, am full!!  Filled to overflowing.  Filled with joy!!  Because my Redeemer lives!  Christ is risen, indeed!!  And because He lives, my life is purposeful, joyful, meaningful, and just plain FULL!!