This is Holy Week, if you come from the Christian tradition, and it’s always been an emotional roller coaster. It’s a time to mourn, a time to remember, but then…a time to celebrate.

For some, the preparations started with Ash Wednesday, and sacrificing something for Lent. Then this week, there was the Last Supper on Thursday and the horror of the Cross on Good Friday, all leading up to the joy and celebration of the empty tomb and Resurrection Sunday.

Are you ready?

I’m not. Not yet, anyway. As I wandered through the store and bought candy and egg dye, I realized I was far further along with my preparations for the day—than with the preparations in my heart.

I hadn’t stopped long enough to catch my breath and do laundry, never mind preparing my heart for Easter.

Easter matters. But if we don’t stop and stand still for a minute, we’ll miss its importance. Easter is about hope, and renewal, and second chances. It reminds us of the importance of sacrifice for others. But more important, it gives us a chance to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice: God’s only son, who gave His very life for us–people who didn’t even know we needed Him.

Easter reminds me that we are all God’s children and His Son died for every single one. Even the ones I don’t like. Even the ones who treat other human beings as though they have no value. Our community was shocked this week by a horrible, horrible crime. How can God love people like that? But He does, though He abhors their crime.

I am humbled when I think He loves me, too. Even when my behavior is not what it should be. He loves me. He died for me. And He loves you. He died for you.

But the story doesn’t end there. He didn’t stay dead. The tomb is empty and we serve a Risen Savior!

My prayer this Easter comes from a grateful heart. Thank you, Lord, for loving me. Let me live as a person who is precious in your sight. And, as an old chorus I learned years ago says, “Let me see this world, dear Lord, as though I were looking through your eyes.”

This Easter, take a minute to reflect. Thank God for all He’s done for you. Pray for the unlovable. And give an extra-large dose of love and hugs to the precious, wonderful people in your life.

As they used to say in the early church, “He is Risen. He is Risen, indeed!”

Happy Easter, everyone!