Easter Sunday

Happy Easter everyone. If you are looking for recipes, or history, check yesterday's blog.

Today is the day we celebrate the atonement and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The only perfect man who ever lived, He broke the bands of death, and made it possible for us to live again. His mercy, grace and atoning sacrifice make life everlasting a reality.

As disciples of Christ, we can never achieve perfection in this life, but we can follow his teachings, reach out in love to our fellow beings, and faithfully serve him all of our days. His is the only name under Heaven whereby we can return to our Father.

The following poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a favorite of mine.

Gethsemane

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

In golden youth when seems the earth
A Summer-land of singing mirth,
When souls are glad and hearts are light,
And not a shadow lurks in sight,
We do not know it, but there lies
Somewhere veiled under evening skies
A garden which we all must see --
The garden of Gethsemane.

With joyous steps we go our ways,
Love lends a halo to our days;
Light sorrows sail like clouds afar,
We laugh and say how strong we are.
We hurry on; and hurrying, go
Close to the border-land of woe,
That waits for you, and waits for me --
For ever waits Gethsemane.

Down shadowy lanes, across strange streams,
Bridged over by our broken dreams;
Behind the misty caps of years,
Beyond the great salt fount of tears,
The garden lies. Strive as you may,
You cannot miss it in your way.
All paths that have been, or shall be,
Pass somewhere through Gethsemane.

All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden's gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
"Not mine but thine," who only pray,
"Let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane.

Suffering and sorrow are a part of this mortal life, but through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, they don’t have to be a part of the next life. He took our sins upon himself in the Garden of Gethsemane, and paid the price for each of us with his blood. May we all recognize him as our Savior, and thank him this day for his gift of eternal life.