Happy Easter!

Firstly, I apologise for the hiatus – I should have given some notice as I knew I would be busy! We’ve actually been away for a week-long church camp and it has been amazing! I was involved in the Kids Program and helped out a bit with Women’s Ministries too, so was really busy but enjoyable all the same. More updates on it in the coming posts, but I have to show you this picture of Jacob (nearly) kissing a lamb:

To give you a bit more reading material, the articles I wrote are finally published. This one is an interview with a Malaysian father and his perspective on children growing up in Australia, while this one talks about lessons on change.

But, for now, I want to talk about Easter and what it means to me. Aside from eggs, chocolate and bunnies, it has a deeper meaning for me. It’s usually around this time as well that I look at my life and ponder upon why Jesus would die for someone like me. I’ve made so many mistakes over my lifetime, hurt so many people (including myself) and disappointed God over and over again with my choices. Yet, Jesus chose to shed His blood for me, and for everyone else in the world.

I don’t mean to make this a preachy post – it’s more a contemplation of my own beliefs and how it’s made me grow as a person. I know that I have many worldly visions – I want to travel the world, want to have a career or at least a business to run on the side and want to have a bigger and better life for my family. And while it isn’t wrong to have these visions, I realise how small they are when I look at the bigger picture. I often worry about what to do with my life and what direction I should take, but I also know that life is not fully in my own control, and that there are bigger forces at work.

Many years ago, I went to an Easter play that moved me to tears. I had only heard the song once before, but it was clearly put into context when I heard them singing it while playing out the scenes that led to Jesus’ death. If you’re a fan of female gospel, you have to listen to Nicole Nordeman. Really meaningful lyrics, particularly with this song – basically, a little girl’s point of view of the cross.

It’s funny that things seem to be more touching when put in the eyes of a child. Perhaps it’s the innocence that tugs at our heartstrings, or the fact that we want to shield and protect them from things that could hurt them. Jesus was innocent – a blameless man, with the sin of the world (including mine) upon His shoulders.

But I do like the ending of the Bible story so many of us know. Jesus is crucified on Friday, he rests in the tomb on the Sabbath, but on Sunday the tomb was empty. He conquered death, and through Him there is another life waiting for us.

I’m not one to cry very often (hence I actually remember the times I cry!) but this year, this song really moved me. It’s a new-ish song by Hillsong, but I like the acoustic version better. But of course, it’s the words again that truly touch me:

Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid

Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father’s will
He took a crown of thorns

Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee

Hope you all had a beautiful Easter! 🙂