Easter Dinner

Like many, I have a crowd of family and friends coming for Easter dinner. Several times this week as my mind has gone to the details of planning, preparing and serving this meal, I’ve found myself sighing in weariness.

How quickly my perspective can get caught up in the mundane specifics of the meal, or in the effort & work it will be to make it all happen.
I am reminded of another woman in Jesus’ life who had a similar temptation.
“Martha, Martha…” he began.
And then he reminded her to keep priority focus on the priorities.

I need the same reminder in my life.

And so I refocus on all that is good in this gathering:
#1 – I am glad for family who can gather together, sharing time and relationship together. How I love them, each one adding richness & texture to the portrait of my life.

#2 – I am blessed with the physical bounty to enjoy such a gathering. These are things which are gifts from God’s good hand and I dare not take them for granted: an abundance of food, a comfortable home, a body able to prepare & host a meal…a mind that can usually remember more than one thing at a time.

#3 - I am privileged for the opportunity to serve, for in it I have opportunity to model the One who said, “I came not to be served, but to serve…”

#4 – And I am blessed beyond description with a Savior who has risen, who gives the occasion for this gathering. Defeating the curse of sin, overcoming the will of Satan, and providing for us His righteousness, He arose.
Hallelujah!

Father, change my selfish heart to instead worship You, even in the mundane details (and early morning hours) of serving a meal.
Help me to see this occasion through your eyes, and may my heart and life—and all who gather with us in our home—give glory and praise to you on this resurrection day.

Have a Blessed, Blessed Easter!