What a Difference a Day Made - April 22, 2009

To My Dear Friends:

It is Easter Sunday and as I watched the musical "Raise the Crown" presented by our choir, listened to the message by our pastor, and sang praises to our Lord, I was driven to tears. There were several reasons for the tears; I was here, Christ died for me, some of the finest people I know were around me, the commitment of sixty some people to create a significant offering to Christ and our congregation. If those things don't humble me then I don't know what will.

Every time I sit in church, work at a project, discover something new, or enjoy the kids I tutor, I am awed by the fact that God has left me here on earth. It wasn't supposed to be that way. My diagnosis was a short sentence. It has been almost four years. There is the possibility of more years on the horizon. Not a day goes by that I don't realize that every day is a gift. I wake up in the morning excited to see the sun. I am frustrated when a day has been "wasted." I am alive and that gift was given for a reason. My job is to use it well. Easter, therefore, reminds me of the resurrection of my life.

Easter Sunday also reminds me of the resurrection of my soul. Some of you have only known me for a little while. You do not know what the others know. I am nothing like I used to be. Jesus changed everything. He took the good, my desire to serve and magnified it. He took the bad, my anger, control, and alcoholism and buried it only to rise as joy, submission, and peace. What good would it do to live longer in this world if I were not changed from the person I had been? Is it worth the time to live angry? However, I have been saved from that and, yes, it is worth the four years. In the overall picture, there are no bad days. Of course, I, or the events of living in this world, occasionally cause bad moments. The loss of friends to death or the hurt I see in those I love all seem hard, but the balance is far to the good. The peace comes from knowing that I will leave this world someday only to be in the arms of Christ. Then it will be all good. There will be no more cancer, tears, or lost friends. This is a peace to live by, and a peace to celebrate at Easter and every day.

Easter also allows me to spend time with many people of like mind; believers in Jesus Christ. There is something special about this group. We all have our little problems and some would call us hypocrites because we are also sinners. But many very busy people worked very hard to put together a musical. Not one was paid. They practiced in their cars as they drove to work. They went to rehearsal after rehearsal at the end of long days at work. Some moved risers, more than once. Others cleaned and decorated the sanctuary. Every act was a form of worship. Most of them were there an hour before the first service and were the last to leave after the second service. Why? Because they love Jesus Christ and find that this is a way they can serve Him. They are people of integrity. They make a commitment and are willing to see it come to fruition. In the back of every one of their minds is a prayer that the part they are playing in this day's events will lead someone to accept Christ as their savior. To me, this is a little glimpse of Heaven and I like it. I cannot think of any reason to miss church. I want to be there. That is where God shows Himself through His people. Easter is just bigger, but it happens every Sunday, every time God's people gather.

Easter, most importantly, is about the resurrection of Christ. What a magnificent event. It seems like it would be enough for God to become man. Or maybe enough that Jesus would become a sacrifice in our stead. Nevertheless, to prove to us that He had the right and power to be our God and our sacrifice, He conquered death, the terrible price we must pay for our sins. I know I am a sinner. I cannot get away from that. No matter how hard I try, sin abounds in me. Without the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, I would look at death as a rightful, but terrible, punishment for my life. However, Christ paid for that sin on the cross. He buried my sin, and yours, in the tomb. Three days later, He rose. Death was conquered by the God that conferred it in the Garden of Eden. No longer did man have to live under the presence of eternal damnation. I can't think of a better reason to celebrate. I am free. I can live knowing that, though my body will die, my soul will be in heaven. One day I will stand face to face with the risen Christ. What a celebration that will be! My heart explodes in gratitude and my soul lives in peace. Jesus Christ has risen and nothing will ever be the same.

My prayer for you is that your Easter was as fine as mine. I pray that you know what I am talking about. If you don't, find someone to ask. I will do, but there are many others. Do not live on this earth without Christ as your Savior. Make everyday a celebration. Know that you are here to serve a risen Savior. Trust that this world is fallen, but you can live apart from it. There is a place for you.

This cancer has taught me many lessons, but the most important has been to cherish the day and the people each day brings me. You are special people to me. I love you so much. Your prayers have brought me through all sorts of stuff. Today was never meant to be, but I am here. Praise God and praise you for your prayers.

All my love, Marj.