Family

 Just back from Nebraska after spending the weekend with some of my family and grandkids.  I went deliberately because Kristen's church is the best, most welcoming church I know of right now and I wanted a place to go to celebrate Easter with some of my family. 

Each church service was meaningful, at Holy Thursday after the 12 people had their feet washed, Fr. Sagar invited anyone that wanted to wash feet or have their feet washed, come up.  We had a front row seat, and to watch children come up to have their feet washed and other adults, some of my grandchildren was so moving. The families in back of us were joining the church some of them. They took all the children up, even the baby, for a foot washing. It changed them right on the spot, they went from not seeming too sure of even being there to big smiles and handshakes during the passing of the peace.  No matter who you are or where you come from you are welcome at the Table.  Good Friday Father Sagar reminded us that to be a Christian we don't just love Jesus, we have to do as Jesus did and Love Judas.  Powerful, powerful words in this time and place.  

Karrah came in the afternoon and brought a whole other load of joy.  Watching cousins play together and get to know each other, so much blessing! Everett jumping in the air because he needed to get his shoes on so fast! He might miss something. Saturday activities, out to a favorite spot for dinner, being surrounded by so much love.  I acknowledged I felt loved, that this was one of those happy, safe times. This is the time I look forward to and it was excellent!

Easter Sunday morning was special in the traditons we share, the finding of the eggs, the baskets, and dressed up for the happiest day of the Christian calendar, Resurrection Sunday, Easter the time of new beginnings.  A special treat in church as 2 little boys, independent of their parents, who go to Catholic School made a decision to join the Catholic Church. It was heartwarming to watch. A beautiful, wonderful time this weekend. 

I didn't feel as sad coming home maybe because I know I will see them all again, but also because I was present and acknowledged the goodness and love all around. This is our challenge every day to be present in good times and bad, to acknowledge our lives and live them