I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You

Let me tell you a background story.

Easter is my favorite holiday. It has been since I was a little girl. I loved the eggs, pastels, chocolate and, of course, the Easter Bunny. But, to tell you the story of why I truly love Easter, we have to look back on Christmas time when I probably wasn’t more than 6 years old. I remember sitting at the base of our extremely tall tree, looking straight up at the lights and Mom’s specifically placed ornaments. I knew Christmas was about the birth of Jesus and I’d heard stories of him every Sunday in church, but I wanted to know more. I remember asking Mom to tell me everything she knew about him. It was during that time when I really started to pay attention to Uncle Steve’s sermons and tried to understand the meaning behind these holidays. As I got older, I understood why Christmas was such a big hit, but still didn’t understand why Easter didn’t seem quite as exciting to people.

Let me tell you why I love Easter.

Imagine knowing that no matter what is going on in your life, how happy or sad you are, how much money you do or don’t have, how many friends have stuck around etc., God sent His son to die for you so that you could spend eternity in heaven. Jesus loved you so much that he gave his life as an account for your sins. Imagine a love that strong. It’s that warm feeling I get when I know I’m not alone that makes me love Easter. It’s that overwhelming joy when I think about an eternity with the ones I love that makes me love Easter. It’s my salvation that makes me love Easter.

Let me tell you about my Grandma

My grandma went home yesterday to be with the Lord. She was reunited with Grandpa, her dad, sister, and so many friends and loved ones that went before her. Although I’ve entered a state of mourning and I’m incredibly sad she’s gone, I’m in peace knowing that she’s no longer in pain. I’m so glad that she left this world surrounded by ones she loved. The lessons she taught each and every one of us will live on. Although she is no longer here, her influence on our lives will help us influence others. As we pass on those parts of her to others, she’ll warm their lives just as she did ours.

Let me close this by saying:

I love Easter because it reminds me that I will see Grandma again one day. It makes me feel confident that because I heard her and Grandpa’s testimonies hundreds of times, they are together in heaven now. We all have the opportunity to feel the same peace if we let Jesus into our lives. So, hold your loved ones close this Easter. Enjoy the eggs, pastels, chocolate, and the Easter Bunny, all the while praising the Lord for this promise of everlasting life if you accept him as your savior. 

Rest in peace, Grandma. I love you. Tell Papaw I say hi <3