Easter Reflection

I am in Niceville having a bit of a retreat. Of course, the real point of my visit is to cover caring for Rickey's mom as his sister takes a break. She and her husband are in Ohio visiting their kids and grand-kids for Easter. I'm staying in their house while they are away. It's a lovely home, right on a tiny finger of water that empties into a bayou then a bay then the Gulf of Mexico.  It is full of light and deep quiet. My favorite spot is sitting in the small rocker by a large window overlooking the backyard and water. I put my coffee cup on the sill as I watch the sun dancing on the leaves and the birds flying or floating or fishing. I also like doing my centering prayer in the same space. I've done this care-giving visit before, and I'm happy doing it again. Although Rickey's mom's mind is drifting away from us, her tender spirit remains happy and grateful.

Because conversations are so limited, I have a lot of time for reflection.  Knowing I would be missing some of the community aspects of observing Holy Week, I've come up with new ways to conceptualize these days. Thursday as I reflected about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, I decided to wash hers. Although she couldn't hold the thought, she was blessed and so was I.

Susan and Joe regularly take her to church on Sundays, but it is a bit too much for one person to do alone. On top of that we knew church would be crowded today because it is Easter, and crowds are disconcerting for her. Initially, I was a bit sad about missing this significant Sunday service. But on my early walk this morning I was struck by the fullness of life everywhere--the Red Bud at the end of driveway looking so fragile and so beautiful with its purple-pink flowers emerging from thin dark branches, colorful azaleas bursting out in bushes on almost every corner, and birds, birds and more birds filling the air with songs. Years ago I read a biography of the mystic Evelyn Underhill. One story recounted her anticipation of an Easter service, which she said was meaningful, but it was her walk home from church that particular day where she experienced the glory of God in the newness of life surrounding her every step.  I think that is my story this morning.  Not what I expected, but how like God to bless us in such unexpected ways.  May your Easter be blessed! Anna