Easter Wishes

Today is Easter. He is risen. That should be the message, but I'm left feeling that perhaps we've closed ourselves up so much with division that "the tomb remains closed" for us and hatred can seep in easier where we normally would have a solid defense.

It's an odd thought for sure, but the last week has had me doing a lot of thinking, and I certainly don't have all the answers.

I first want to thank the Mt. Juliet Police Department, and the Wilson County Sheriff Department for handling the threats our schools received this week with transparency, effectiveness, and professionalism.

It still hasn't been made public where or who the threat came from, but it was taken serious and our kids were kept safe. Hallelujah.

And as I reflect upon the lessons of Passover, The Last Supper, Good Friday, and Easter I'm left wondering if perhaps we could all do with a little more grace that we would normally give.

At the end of the day, we're parents, Tennesseans, and human beings who are all in this crazy reality together. I think if we could pause and give each other more grace we'd all be in a better head space.

So while we thought of the resurrection during church this morning, my thoughts drifted to the fruits of the spirit. If someone is seeking to change their ways perhaps instead of reminding them of their past we should instead look for the fruit of their change.

In Matthew 22, Christ teaches us that the greatest commandment is centered on loving the Lord and the second greatest is loving your neighbor. There aren't any qualifiers... it's just love.

In John 15, Christ teaches that He is the vine and whoever abides in Him will bear much fruit.

In Matthew 7, Christ tells us that we will know other believers by their fruits.

So it's fitting then, as we enter into this season of Eastertide (and onto Pentecost) that we should aim to align our actions with the fruits of the spirit. This is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

For me - that's extending grace to others when I otherwise would not.

I wish you all the best this Easter, and my hope is for an election season full of peace and love.