Is She Breathing Yet?

Happy Easter!

Resurrection is the main event of Easter--not just the story of Christ's resurrection, but also how that event touches and transforms us in our own lives. Resurrection is not just a futuristic "something that happens when we die" kind of concept; it also takes place in the here and now. Resurrection is what leads us into new life. My pastor made an important distinction about the concept of resurrection in her Easter sermon this past Sunday: "It is not coming back to the life you lived before; that would be resuscitation."

My recent vacation time away in Oregon helped serve as a vessel that carried me through to my experience of this year's Easter resurrection. Before my trip I was weary, stressed, stretched, depressed, exhausted, frustrated, and generally maxed out emotionally, physically, mentally, and perhaps spiritually. I needed a break!

A break is exactly what I got. It ended up that my time away was extended by several days due to needing car repairs--and I knew immediately when my car broke down that this was no random, unfortunate accident; God was providing for me exactly what I was needing at the time. "Move back, everyone--Kristy needs some breathing room!" (Ahhh...now I see the symbolism of my recent asthma struggles!)

The extra days away made all the difference in the world. I returned to Seattle, but not to "the life I lived before." Although nothing significant had changed about my life situation or about me personally, the time away provided me with the necessary grace to return with a resurrected spirit. The things that were weighing me down and holding me captive before (the metaphor of death), have been loosened and lifted. As I described it to friends this weekend, "It's as if my life right now is an open parenthesis. Sometimes that kind of openness is a scary state to be in, but right now it feels hopeful and full of potential."

Pastor Susan also mentioned in her sermon, "You can't explain the resurrection; the resurrection explains us." Once again, this relates back to a key concept I elaborated on in an earlier blog post: "We live by the stories we tell." The Easter joy, peace, hope and expectation I am experiencing in the here and now have everything to do with the stories I tell...the stories I choose to live and re-live, including how I choose to tell my own story. From time to time I do find myself stuck on some of the stories that threaten to weigh me down or hold me back from living life to the fullest expression that I think is intended for me--but that's what Easter is for. Easter reminds us to say "Yes!" to--and therefore begin to live into--the promises of the resurrection.

What is it that you need to say "Yes!" to in your life right now? My prayer for you is that resurrection promises will meet you there.

Christ is risen!
Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Yes: it is good to breathe again.