From Autumn to Spring, I have an odd obsession with decorating the front of the house.  It starts in early October with “Jack-o’-lantern leaf bags.”  Then at the first sign of snow, a weekly sign announcing the thoughts of the snowmen residing in our front yard.  Sadly with the melting of the last snowman, we are just left with a small wooden post waiting for one last comment.  A comment that will need to wait until next Winter.  A post that will be soon removed and wait again for the first sign of snow.

Exiting today’s Maundy Thursday church service, I had a thought.  Why not take that empty post and make it into something special.  A fitting welcome to Spring.  A fitting transformation into new life.  All we needed was another piece of wood and some screws.  The answer was so simple, but it would provide appropriate closure.

Sharing my thought with my boys, they readily agreed to travel to Menards for the supplies.  They have grown to enjoy my bursts of silliness.  They now enjoy the playful nature of the front yard decorations.  I had been successful in sharing a bit of joy.

Charlene recently wondered if our youngest son Ben will be more squirrelly than me, when he grows up.  A frightening prospect, but a strong possibility.  His smile shines.  His joy bubbles through.  And not just Ben, but also his brothers.  They are all happy (some days more than others).  They all see life in a good way.  Full of possibilities.  Full of happiness.  Then when they get together (minus the usual sibling strife), their joy seems to build upon each other.  A true blessing to behold.

So whatever worries present themselves.  Whatever sadness is thrown our way.  I just need to look at my boys and there I see blessings.  Blessings given by God.  Blessings beyond measure.  The Easter story is ours to behold every day.  We just need to look beyond life’s troubles and see the amazing gifts that surround us.  Blessings that remind us of the gift of life we get to celebrate daily.  Happiness and joy surrounds, embrace it.

Oh, as for our parting sign of Spring, it’s one that has stood the test of time.  May all of your Good Friday moments be followed by the glorious rebirth of Easter morning.

 A reminder that Mount Calvary was not the end…

…it was part of a glorious new beginning.