Christ is risen! He has provided us with a fresh start, and I cannot think of a better gift. Easter has always been my favorite time of the year. It usually falls around the start of spring when the world around us becomes alive again. The tree leaves return, the grass turns green, and the flowers grow. Animals come out of hibernation, babies are born, and the sun starts to shine a little more. It is a season of fresh starts that God scheduled to happen a long time ago.
In January we celebrate the start of a new year by making resolutions. These resolutions are a promise we make to ourselves to improve. Who among us has followed thtough with rthese resolutions? By this time of the year, I have long forgotten my resolutions, but God has never forgotten the promise He made to us. That promise came at Easter. God promised us that no matter how we mess up, He is going to forgive us. All we have to do is confess our sins and accept Jesus in our heart. The love God has for us is so strong. He was willing to sacrifice His one and only Son so we can have forgiveness and a fresh start.
It makes me think about what I am doing with all the fresh starts God has provided. I always told my son when he was little that saying sorry did not have as much meaning if the mistake he made was repeated. God continually forgives and provides a fresh start, but it is our responsibility to take the next steps. What are you doing with your fresh starts? There is so much we can be doing to help God's world be a better place. Jesus spent his time on this Easrth showing us how to do this. Love one another as He has loved you. Be kind to people and take care of the Earth. God has made us caretakers of the world we live in and everything in it. So, I challenge you to take one of your fresh starts and do something to better God's Earth. Make it a better place for all of us.
Blessings,
Heather Stone, Consistory President
