Life is Stage

Happy Easter to one and all!
While this is a joyful holiday full of spiritual significance and tons of chocolate, I am glad to say that the day is almost over.
Steve had the misfortune of having to work today, and while I appreciate his willingness to do what it takes to support his family, he was missed by us all. We began our Sunday morning by discovering some much anticipated goodies from our friend the Easter Bunny. Both big girls were very excited to dig into their baskets, and while Sydney didn't get to enjoy any sweets, her new teething toy was a big hit. Of course the Bunny didn't forget about Kenny who had been staying with us over his spring break from school. He got a giant chocolate bunny and some spending money for an upcoming trip to LA with his high school band. Everyone was smiles from ear to ear (except the rabbits who had already had their ears eaten off.)
We had three services at church and I did a dramatic reading of a poem at each one. It was a long day, but I think many people were touched by the words of the poem.
I print it here with permission from the author...

There they lie
our dreams in shreds.
Battered
Scattered
Heart-shattered
All the things we thought that mattered
Have slipped,
In the stripped form,
Hand-clawed
Thorn-pierced
Blood matted form.
Nailed to a cross.

It's not just a man who's died,
But out hopes,
Lives,
Yearnings
Mission
Heart-pourings of a vision of what might have been.

"Dreams dreams" the sneered
In snide scorning
As they hammered home the last three taunts
Of a devil's smile.
They might as well have
Slammed them into my heart.

We've gone the extra mile,
And back again.
And nowhere left to start.

Is the morning too still
To hear a word twice whispered?
Is dawning possible
From hearts all bitter-twisted?
Who dares disturb my grief,
Or bring a word?

But there it is again.
No raised voice this, nor distant,
But quiet, insistent
Slowly stripping dawns resistance
To the joy it brings.
I try to mourn
"Tell me where they've laid Him!"

Warm eyes have none of it.
No graven gaze engulfs my face,
But love,
Reborn
Renewed
Regiven
From a riven heart
That took the path of love.

Faith flickers
Full-fanned
Bursts out aflame
And Man!

Suddenly the enormity of it all strikes you...

That death
Is just a birth
The world will not contain.

Great poem, huh? Hope you had a great Easter, and will have a wonderful week to come.

Remember, He died for you too!