AS HOLY WEEK MOVES ever closer to Easter Sunday, I find myself focusing on hope. It’s such a positive word. One that I’ve held close to my heart through some really difficult challenges in life.
This past pandemic year has challenged all of us. Stretched our endurance, our patience, our ability to cope. To live life in a way that would keep us, and those we love, safe. I’ve felt frustrated about lax attitudes and behaviors regarding COVID-19. But through all of this, I’ve tried to balance that with hope.
Hope seems synonymous with spring in Minnesota. Nature reveals hope in spring bulbs popping, in trees budding, in dormant grass greening and much more.
After a season of cold and darkness, hope breaks forth in longer days. More warmth. More sunshine. More light.
And now, in this too long season of COVID, hope for an end to this pandemic.
As a woman of faith, I also view this time of year through the lens of eternal hope. I see the face of Jesus. Determined. Caring. Suffering. Dying. And then living, breathing. Alive. Darkness replaced by light on Easter morning. The light of eternal life.
This Easter Sunday, just like last, I’ll miss celebrating Easter in person with my faith family. I’ll miss the feeling that comes with worshiping inside a church with other Christians. I’ll miss the scent of lilies and the reverberation of the organ. I’ll miss the blessings of being among friends, of joyful Easter greetings.
Yet, I can still view the Easter service online or listen on the radio. I can experience worship indirectly. I can praise God and pray and let the joyful music of Easter fill my ears. And my mind. Hope remains. I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
TO YOU, MY DEAR READERS, I wish you a most blessed, joyful and hope-filled Easter!
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Quoted lyrics are from the hymn, I Know that My Redeemer Lives.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wishing you the blessings of the season with hopes renewed moving forward in 2021.
I wish the same for you, my friend. Happy Easter!
Happy Easter, Audrey, much love. ❤
Thank you, Penny. And the same to you.
Of all the many pictures of Christ, that window conveys it all. Holy Week art is special in all media. I always felt this weekend should be more reflective as we rushed through it, but wouldn’t have given up the activity level anything. I have links to at least 7 churches, added a few to my usual list. All amazing, just amazing the thought and effort last night. Dad died Mar. 13th, his 55th birthday was Apr. 14th. I was 13. At least was an early spring, like this year, it does give hope. I’m glad you can focus on that too. I will miss sunrise service trumpets. Happy Easter to you and yours!
A happy and blessed Easter to you also, Sandra!
Have a blessed Easter Audrey.
Thank you, Judy. A blessed Easter to you also. It’s good to hear from you.
Easter blessings and sunshine to you and your family.
Thank you, Bernadette, and the same to you and your family. The temp on Easter here in southern Minnesota is supposed to reach 70.
Happy Easter Audrey! He is Risen!
Happy Easter to you, also, and to Gary and the rest of your family. He is risen, indeed!
HAPPY EASTER, and thank you for always making my day better!
Oh, Becky, thank you for your kind words. If I can make your day better, then I am grateful. Have a blessed Easter!
Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!
He IS risen! I hope you had a most blessed Easter, Kiandra. It’s good to hear from you.
Happy Belated Easter! Christ has risen!
Thank you, Beth Ann. Yes, He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah.