Easter’s a day that’s right on time

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth

in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap

it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!”

-- Clarence W. Hall

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the

opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”

-- Robert Flatt

“Easter seems really early to me this year. I’m sure not ready for

it,” I heard a woman say to her friend. The two of them were behind

me in line at the drugstore.

“You’re right, Easter did come quickly this year, but it’s still a

week away, and how much do you really need to do to get ready for

it?” her friend asked. “It’s not like Christmas, which is a whole

season when we go nonstop; Easter is just a day. Just buy some new

clothes, some candy and presents, color some eggs and put out a few

decorations. There’s still time, and it doesn’t take long to hide

eggs for an Easter egg hunt, “

“You’re right, and the kids like hunting for the eggs,” the first

woman answered.

I didn’t hear any more of the conversation because I’d finished

paying for my things and was headed out the door. I overheard that

conversation a week before Easter and agreed that the woman probably

had time to do what she thought she needed to do to be ready for

Easter. I also agree that Easter did seem to come quickly this year,

but I tend to think that every month flies by faster than the one

before.

I also know that there is a significant difference in the length

of time we typically spend talking about, preparing for or

celebrating the Christmas season, versus Easter day. But it is

equally easy to focus far more on the external celebrations of both

holidays than on the real meanings of them.

I’ve always enjoyed Easter, and there is certainly nothing wrong

with clothes, candy and Eater egg hunts. I also love going to church,

singing Easter songs and the tradition of having someone greet me by

saying, “He is Risen,” and my responding by saying, “He is Risen

indeed!” I’ve thought quite a bit about the meaning and message of

Easter this year, and I am eternally thankful that God has provided

the way of forgiveness, hope, love and second chances.

Easter may have come earlier this year, but it is right on time.

Easter is more that just a day; it is a gift from God. The message of

Easter is offered to each and every one of us, every single day.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.