Easter Snow?

Easter Snow?

         This is too weird. It is Easter Sunday morning and it is snowing. Snow is not unusual, unless you live in Texas (except for the Amarillo area). We hardly ever get snow in Fort Worth. As I look out my window it is snowing like crazy--great big flakes of snow. Of course it's about forty-two degrees outside and the stuff is melting as soon as it hits the ground, but hey, it's snow--on Easter. I've never experienced this before. It will be the small talk at church this morning.

         In spite of the snow and the constant gloom of this week-end--rain, rain, rain...snow, it is a glorious thing. It represents the coming of life. As the season begins to burst forth with new buds and green plants, the promise of life is everywhere. Even as we read the newspaper and see its stories of death and destruction, we are promised new life. Being Christian is a marvelous experience. We hold the promise that this life is not the end. What we see as the finality of life in death, is in fact the beginning of a glorious union with God.

         Am I deluded? Am I simple minded and placing my faith in a fable? Is my faith a crutch that nurses me through life's difficult times with sentimental ideas that soothe my unenlightened mind? There are many in this world who believe so. But I do not. I can not explain why it is that I believe that Jesus is the Son of God--that He personally paid the price to redeem me from my fallen nature--that my belief in Him makes a difference. I can't explain it. To some people it is not rational. However, relationships are not always rational. And that is what Christians possess--relationships. I don't have a belief; I have a relationship with a living God.

         I have seen Him work in the lives of people. After living fifty-six years, much of them being as a Christian, I have witnessed what being a Christian can mean. I've seen homes healed, bodies healed, peace of mind given, and wondrous courage in the face of unbearable adversity. I have witnessed two funerals on one day--in fact I conducted both of them when I was pastor of First Baptist Church of Carney. One funeral was for a non-Christian and the other was for a long-time, faithful, member of my church. The difference was remarkable. I have never forgotten it. The underlying emotion at the funeral of the non-Christian was hopelessness, permanent loss and separation--defeat. There was sadness and grief at the funeral of the Christian, but there was also a foundation of hope and temporary separation. There was victory in the thought and knowledge that that person lives on--lives on in a much more glorious place. Sure, I may be deluding myself by believing as I do. But let me ask this; if I am right, what have I got to gain?--everything. If I am wrong, what have I got to lose?--nothing. Even if this is a lie, what nobler way is there to live a life than one dedicated to loving and caring for other people. No, I have not lost anything. Rather, it is my belief that I have gained everything. Yes, I am a Christian. I have a personal Savior, but I have much more than that, which I will not even try to explain in this short piece. (phone's ringing)

         A miracle just happened. My grandson Zak just called me on the phone.

         I heard, "Grandpa?"

         "Yes, Zak."

         "Grandpa, it's snowing!"

         "Naw, it's not snowing."

         "Yes it is, Grandpa. It's really snowing!"

         "Naw, you're just trying to fool me."

         "No, Grandpa, I'm not; it's really snowing. Look outside; it's snowing big!"

         And on the conversation went with a seven-year old miracle named Zak and his grandpa. My heart was lifted to heights unknown to think of the idea that at this moment Zak's desire was to talk to grandpa or grandma and share this special moment. I am truly a rich man. Thank you, Lord, for sending these little miracles into my life. Thank you for the smiles that they give me. Thank you for the admiration that they freely dole on their grandmother and me. Thank you for the innocence of a child and the ability to love and be loved. Yes, this is truly a special Easter.