Adult Education: April 2009

Living as an “Easter Person”

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

Whenever you experience something that is life-changing, energizing, transforming, or joyful, you catch glimpse of what it means to be an “Easter person.”

Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of  Jesus.  The  word “resurrection” means “to stand up again.”

Jesus “stood up again” on Easter when he emerged from the tomb.  It is one of the great paradoxes of life.  What seemed to be over was just the beginning.  What seemed to be a terrible tragedy was transformed into the greatest miracle of all time.

As “Easter people” we know that goodness can overcome evil.  We understand that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is a promise of new life, new hope, new energy, new possibilities.  We know that God can transform everything into something good – no matter how painful, boring, or difficult things may seem. We can be renewed, re-energized, recreated.

During this special time of year we have a chance to focus on what resurrection means in our lives.   How will you experience resurrection in your life during this Easter season?  How will you live as an “Easter person”?

•  Will you let go of bad habits, judgmental attitudes, or negative outlooks?
• Will you let go of anger or resentment toward someone who hurt you?
•  Will you ask for forgiveness from someone you have hurt?
•  Will you reach out to someone who needs a kind word or a helping hand?
•  Will you set aside time to work on your spiritual life?
•  Will you stand up for something that is important?
•  Will you say no to something that is wrong?
• Will you try to cultivate a sense of gratitude for all of the good things in your life?

If your answers to any of these questions is yes, then you understand the power and the promise of being an “Easter person.”