It is a lovely day with a slight breeze and warm temperature. While attending church this morning I could not help but notice that everyone seemed a bit more relaxed and lighthearted. Peace was in the air.

‘Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whosoever live by believing in me will never die.’ John 11:25 – 26

We have a little replica representing the tomb Christ was buried in and of course, a round stone to block the doorway. MJ put my favorite action figure of Jesus behind the little tomb and this morning Jonathon rolled away the stone and sat Jesus outside the little tomb with a wide smile.

You may think me simple…and you may be right…but these little gestures warmed my heart this Easter. We are a hopeful people…much as the Hopeful Gospel Quartet of Garrison Keillor and the Prarie Home Companion. We know that something is out there and seems just beyond our reach…although we stretch our arms, hands, and fingers endeavoring to grasp it.

Pastor Kerry spoke about our supreme fear of death because we only see it from one side. We have yet to discover the secret on the other side.

Time goes by so quickly that we are all a bit of children at heart. The hope of life after death and living in a place where there is no more suffering or sadness are compelling thoughts. As I watched the old and the young alike enter the sanctuary with smiles of expectancy and light hearts…I felt like the man who was catcalling and mocking Jesus in the series The Bible on television…until Jesus touched him…and his angry countenance softened and his eyes showed his question and hope…who touched me…