I sent this email out almost exactly 2 years ago. A lot has changed and transpired since then but the message still resonates and I still need it.

“Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.” ― N.T. Wright

I don’t know about you, but I think I needed Easter more than usual this year.

It has been a rough start to the year. I had lots to complain about. Things weren’t going my way. Stress levels were out of the normal range.

I’ve been seeking a path to turning the page and trying to look forward with hope the last couple of weeks. Not even really realizing that Easter was on the way.

The first Easter was at the early church’s darkest moment. Their leader had been killed. He was not to become the King they had hoped for. They were sad, scared and hopeless.

Out of that darkness came the resurrection. The bright, shining sun leading the path towards the future, full of hope and joy.

I’m going to work to make Easter that moment for me this year (and would love it if you joined me).

We’ve had a rough start.

We will move forward with faith, hope and joy.

We have a lot to be thankful for.

We can and will lean on each other and work together on a brighter future for all of us.

Who’s with me?

Make it a great day.

Jake