One of the difficulties of living and doing ministry away from home is missing out on family gatherings. My mom and dad host an Easter gathering every year at their house. This is always special for our family because we typically go to St. Louis for every extended family event. So when we're not able to go home for an Easter weekend it can be difficult. However, Kylie and I have been extremely blessed the past couple years to grow our extended family! I love how Jesus redefines what "family" is for those who are in Him. In the gospel of Mark it says,
Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. (Mark 10:28-30)
Jesus has kept his promises to me and Kylie! We have been given a rich community that I wouldn't trade for anything. This past Sunday we began our day by gathering at a local park for a sunrise service (even though it was a little cloudy at first!). We sang, broke bread and shared the cup, and gave thanks to God. After this we went by to our house and gathered around the table. We talked about how we saw God's resurrection power in our lives this past year and how we'd like to see his resurrection power in the coming year. We finished our morning together by singing and reflecting on Paul's words from 1 Cor. 15:1-11.
Then Kylie and I went to celebrate with our good friends (and Thursday house group) for an Easter lunch. This is the second year in a row we've gathered with this group on Easter. One thing is always guaranteed, amazing food! Since we ate entirely too much food we ended our day by playing frisbee golf with one another; and even if I lost, it was still a great end to a beautiful day.
We ended up having a really special day celebrating Jesus' resurrection. There's something amazing about celebrating Easter throughout the entire day. I wonder if this is what eternity with Jesus will look like?
I hope you had a great Easter!
Anthony
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