Easter Sunrise

This morning I woke up early and watched the sun transform the sky. Warmth crept up that simple curtain, changing stone grey into subtle pinks, a pop of orange, and pale yellow--finally to become engulfed in stunning golden light that would reveal the blueness of the sky. The morning's first secret held me in quiet wonder as the dawn revealed her colors. I couldn't help but feel reverence for God and His Son.

Here, I too, stood "all amazed at the love Jesus offers me."

Another woman, long ago, rose early seeking Jesus. Her hands carried spices, her heart weighted with sorrow, as she came one final time to dress his body. The significance of the day was not yet known. Her tears veiling the man who stood before her.

When the Savior asks: "Woman, why weepest thou?" I am overcome. He didn't rush in and say: "Mary, Mary! I am here!" He gave her a chance to be understood.

Recently, in an effort to increase my faith, I have been reading about the Savior and every interaction he had with another human being while here upon the earth. In that time I have come to know him as:

A man of Mercy

Full of kindness,

Understanding,

Patience.

Forgiveness,

and love.

Full of Power

He recognized burdens that were hidden

& healed all who came to him.

Humanity

He often sought to relieve 

Hunger, 

Thirst, 

Pain, 

Sickness, 

Disease, 

Weakness,

& The unfairness of life.

& Peace

In the words of my five year old primary student, Adam: "Jesus is a weather changer!"

He can calm any storm and every fear.

His first response was love and his last response was forgiveness. He is

The Son of God

my Savior, Redeemer, Advocate, and Friend. 

He meets people where they are and always lifts them to higher ground.

 I'm so grateful for a Savior who truly sees and knows me. Because of Him I have experienced the "sun" rise over my life many times. I have felt it rise when I do the same dumb thing for the thousandth time and ask for his help to try again. I have felt it lessen the sting after the death of my loved ones. I have felt his warmth when I'm discouraged by my weaknesses. I've felt it soften my anger, and increase my compassion. Often, I have felt His mercy lighten my load .

And just like the sunrise this morning, 

--no matter how many times I see it--

I still stand all amazed.