One of the best Easters ever. No need to go over the first sentence. You read it right. Despite the crisis of COVID-19, it was for three reasons.
First, Franklin Graham’s message at Central Park made it one of the best Easters ever.
Samaritan’s Purse had recently worked with Mount Sinai Health Care System to set up a sixty-eight-bed emergency field hospital in tents in New York City. It opened on April 1, 2020 to all New Yorkers who need help.
As Michael W. Smith led the worship, an occasional healthcare worker slipped in or out of the white tents in the background.
Gratitude surged through my body. I watched in the safety of my home, but healthcare workers risked their lives to care for the patients in those fourteen tents.
Gratitude surged through my body. #gratitude, #God Share on XWhen Franklin Graham spoke, the stillness and lack of crowds contrasted with my past experiences in New York City. I heard a siren once, prayed for those in the vehicle, and again thanked God I was home and free of the virus.
Related external link:
An Easter Prayer by Tina March 24, 2021
Second, online programs made for one of the best Easters ever.
My church had a beautiful Good Friday service on Facebook. I look forward to the day we can meet in person but thank God for the privilege to use social media without fear of persecution or death.
On Easter, my friend and her husband held their church service on Zoom. We could see and hear one another. We thanked God for what we have now on earth and for one thing in the future in heaven. I said, “God, thank you that I won’t need a haircut in heaven. Right now, my bangs hang down to my lower eyelashes” [the beauty shop is closed].
Later that day, FaceTime provided a way to talk with my elderly aunt and uncle quarantined to their room in a senior living facility. While I spoke with them, their oldest daughter called on her iPad. The three of us laughed and talked during our “online reunion.”
God, thank you that I won't need a haircut in heaven. #prayer, #gratitude Share on XThird, Saturday’s food delivery.
My friend, Betsy, sent me a text earlier in the week to send her my grocery list. On Saturday, the store driver would deliver her groceries and mine.
In an order two weeks’ prior, I had asked for 99% fat-free ground turkey breast. Instead the store substituted 85% fat-free turkey. I mixed it with my remaining favorite turkey.
My mouth watered at the thought of a 99% fat-free ground turkey breast burger with mild guacamole. My lips moved in prayer for that burger on my Easter dinner menu. Through Betsy’s delivery, God answered that prayer.
Out of a crisis flows a heart of thanksgiving for the little things.
Related internal post on my website:
How to Handle a Spiritual Crisis
What was your Easter like?
Conclusion and Next Step
In conclusion, this was one of the best Easters ever because of:
- Franklin Graham’s message in Central Park
- Online programs
- Saturday’s food delivery
Thank God for one thing you have now on earth and one thing to come in heaven.
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega April 13, 2020
Easter is always extra special for our family. My Daddy went to Heaven on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998. Many emotions fill Easter day. Thinking about Jesus and thinking about Daddy.
Melissa Henderson, I can see where many emotions would fill your Easter day. May God comfort you in the loss of your earthly father. I’m sure you look forward to the reunion with your earthly father and to going to your heavenly home with Jesus.