Our Easter, not so much about Jesus this year

In a recent MTO email, Tiffany signed off with "Hope your Easter is all about Jesus!"

Unfortunately ours was not.

Part of the reason was because we had so much family in town. These last two weeks, I was pretty occupied by logistics, making sure we at least had options for what to do and where to go, making sure we had what we needed at home. It wasn't terribly stressful, just a bit consuming as any hostess would know. We also took a (half) day trip to Modesto the day before Easter to meet up with a bunch of Tom's cousins and uncles and aunts. We made good on the minivan, seating 4 of us and 3 of Henry/Pora/Dan for the trip. But preparing for that, right after saying goodbye to Matt-n-Kat, made for a busy day.

And finally, and most unfortunately, we actually had a funeral to attend on Easter Sunday. Our good friend lost her brother in a car accident. He was only 26. Due to circumstances, the memorial service could only be on Easter Sunday and the time was 10AM. My parents graciously agreed to turn their Easter upside down so that they could watch the kids (how to find a babysitter or a friend who is free on Easter Sunday?) and we could support our friends by going to the funeral/memorial service. I woke up with my parents to go to an 8AM service at PBC Cupertino (eh, it's okay we didn't go to ALCF, they don't really like our church anyway) so that I could get back in time to leave for the funeral. Tom stayed home with the kids so that we wouldn't have to drag them out at 7:30AM. He didn't get to go to an Easter service at all.

Jesus' death and resurrection wasn't that much in the front of my mind this Easter. Death was, but just not Jesus'. I teared up singing the celebratory Easter hymns and praise songs at church. Words like "Where O death is thy sting? Where is thy victory?" Knowing our friend's brother wasn't a Christian, I thought, well, it was victorious over him, although I know full well was the song intended to say theologically. We haven't been to many funerals or memorial services so I think this is one of the first ones that I've been to of someone who isn't saved. Although we had only met and chatted with the brother a little at kids' birthday parties, we were particularly touched by sadness to attend his funeral. Not only was he young, he was not saved, but he affected many, the chapel was packed. Many kind words were said by his family and friends and he seemed like a very unique and caring person. But even that can't save him in this life or beyond. And we are sad for that.

But thank you, Lord, for giving victory over death. I'm sorry that the death of this friend's brother overshadowed Your death and resurrection this year. But I thank you for grace and life eternal available for all.