O, Happy Day!

When it comes to holidays, it's easy to forget why we celebrate the occasion on hand.  Easter, the most joyous day of the Christian calendar, the celebration of Jesus' triumph over death, is no exception.  The significance of that pivotal miracle often gets lost in the mess of plastic grass in a basket with an impractically long handle, tear-stained attempts at pictures with a guy in a bunny suit (for only $14.99!), or the guilt of having snuck too many chocolate eggs out of that basket with the impractically long handle when the kids aren't looking.  In the end, we sometimes find ourselves with little time and energy and far less stillness of heart needed to marvel at Christ.

This Easter, our family had the opportunity to study Christ's resurrection in a different way.  We loaded the boys up in the Honda and drove 6 hours south to visit my parents in Virginia.  Ahgon and Ahma regaled the kids with a trip to the Ringling Brothers' circus, an egg hunt, and lavish amounts of good food and loving attention. 

The highlight of the weekend was attending my father's baptism at a local Chinese church.  It was well worth wrangling wiggly William for an hour to hear my dad share how his battle with cancer ultimately led him to faith in Christ.  While we are saddened that his recent radiation therapy has failed to check his cancer, we delight to know that out of something bitter has come something beautiful.  In coming to terms with his powerlessness and relying instead on the ability of Christ, he has discovered a source of strength that will not fail him, an abiding joy that will fulfill him in a way that nothing on earth can, and a Savior who will be with him through eternity.  He has discovered the kind of new, inner life made possible by Christ's resurrection on the very first Easter. 

Welcome to the family, Dad.