The last week has been an interesting one. It started on Monday when I officiated my first memorial service for a woman who attended our church. My interactions with her since we’ve lived here haven’t been more than a ‘hello’ here and there on Sunday morning but two of her daughter said that as her health faded she requested that I would be the one to speak at her memorial service. I was both surprised and honored when asked. After meeting with her family and hearing more about her life I couldn’t help but be amazed at how firm her faith was. Even while she battled cancer in her last days her hope in God gave her peace and confidence.

Then Wednesday came and the birth of my second son. The mystery of love is revealed in a deeper way when you have kids. You realize you can love each one with as much passion and depth as the other and you don’t run out. With his birth my thoughts wander to what kind of man he will become, what passions he’ll have, and what vision will guide his life.

Birth to life, just a blip in history, and this last week couldn’t have made that clearer to me. In what seems a moment my little boy will have a family of his own and I’ll have grey hair and grandchildren. Along the way there will be happiness and joy, tough times and sadness. My hope though, will always remain the same, just as it is with the birth of my son and just as it was for the woman who passed away. Today, Easter Sunday, reminds me of that hope I have and how it is more constant and firm than anything else in life.

This day reminds me of the impact that Jesus sacrifice had on my life and of all those who choose to receive it. The curse of sin and death have no power to loom over my life like a storm on the horizon. Instead of being bogged down with the worries of life and the fears of tomorrow, I can live with a long term perspective and experience joy even when circumstances aren’t happy. I’m not hoping for eternal life with God someday, I’m living it now. I can’t imagine a better way to live and surer foundation for my future.

Thank you Jesus for what you’ve done and what you’re doing in my life!