Unexpected Easter (Rachel)

When plans fall apart and Hope still arrives.

Suffice it to say, this Easter has not gone according to plan. Our large family gathering at our home was cancelled and instead I found myself alone at the beach with three kiddos, while my sick husband rested. And the disappointment hit hard. This is the third Easter we’ve missed gathering our family at our home during this pandemic. And I just felt let down. This wasn’t the plan. I wasn’t prepared for this. what about Easter?? And there at the beach I was once again reminded that our Easter God often doesn’t show up according to our plan. But He does show up. In the exclamations of “this is the best day ever!” from my 4 year old Grace as she searches through endless rocks (each of which she marvels at) when she was so looking forward to an Easter party with her cousins. And there is my Easter God whispering “Isn’t it Rachel?” Isn’t Easter Sunday the best day ever as Hope Himself is resurrected in the midst of deep grief, overwhelming questions, and a sense that what should have been is in fact gone? So I sit and I watch them and I drag seaweed with my 6 year old and I stare at these endless rocks and think of the One who made each one, who knows each One and here I am made and known and seen as well. And as we leave and I’m leading the pack of sandy toes, I look back to see my 2 year old lagging behind. My Hazel struggling to walk on the rocks. And there on this one little beach Jack takes off his flip flops and gives them to her. And Easter God shows up again. In sandy toes that sacrifice to walk on the rocks themselves rather than see their precious sister do it. How much more is Love resurrected in the sacrifice in the surrender and the laying down of comfort and convenience. And so my plans for today were cancelled, they fell apart, and still my Easter God, my near and present friend, showed up in a different and unexpected way. And hallelujah for that.  And for you dear friend who may be feeling a bit disoriented or lost or lonely and perhaps things have not gone according to plan at all, may resurrected Hope Himself draw you near and remind you that His plans for you are sure and His presence is unwavering. You are seen this Easter Sunday.