What Keeps Us Going

Easter is over...but the remnants of lamb and orzo are still in my frig. THis year, my older sister and her husband, and their adorable six-month-old daughter Cate, came to DC to visit over the holiday. My husband's sister and his brother's wife's sister (complicated, I know!) joined us for Easter dinner. We had a wonderful time talking over lamb, orzo with roasted vegetables, the famous Rotzell pineapple casserole (which we all agreed was not a "casserole" but rather a dessert--it is filled with butter, sugar, and bread pudding), and salad. Despite our different lives and paths, it was such a joy to see everyone interact during dinner.

After dinner, over dessert and drinks, the talk turned more political. Why is it that we always make it through dinner, but then the discussion turns edgy and heated? Maybe it is God's way of telling us to skip dessert and that last glass of wine. Anyway, with the Kentucky basketball game in the background, we discussed the role of government in our communities. Should government pick up the slack and come to the rescue of the poor? Or should it be the role of community organizations and churches? And of course, we discussed Terri Schiavo.

The pastor at our church brought up the point that death is all around us this Easter. A wonderful man who attended our church and served as a surrogate father for one of great friends in DC just passed away, our pastor's mother passed away last week, the Pope is on the edge, and the world is watching the battle for Terri's life.

We are so blessed to have a risen Lord in the midst of all this "death."

It was hard to go back to work today, after taking Monday off. I was ready to get back to "work" but I was not prepared to step back into the darkness, stress, and un-justice that so often pervades politics. However, this Easter once again reminded me of our EVERLASTING FATHER....to quote a book that my mom used to read to me growing up, "I just can't wait until next year."

I was also reminded of one of my favorite hymns, "I am the Bread of Life." My mother-in-law often quotes books and beautiful scripture in her blog http://beccaandbella.blogspot.com/. Although I can't recall words that well, I am willing to try....

I am the bread of life,
Those who come to me shall not hunger,
Those who believe in me shall not thirst
No one can come to me
Unless the Father draw them.

And I will raise him up,
And I will raise him up
And I will raise him up
On the last day

I am the resurection
I am the life,
If you believe in me,
Even though you die,
You shall live forever.