the day after Easter

We had a beautiful day yesterday.  Resurrection Sunday dawned clear and beautiful.  We had blue skies and warm temperatures.  The morning began with joy, and a wild pulsing happiness that made my heart sing.

The day found us raising our voices with other believers.  Gathering with family and soaking in the wonder of the day.    Listening to Handel's Messiah at full blast, swept up in the victory.  "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth."  "Hallelujah Chorus."  "Worthy is the Lamb."  Yes.  Yes!

And then Monday morning dawns.  It starts too early.  The sky is filled with clouds.  Our toddler is fussy.  Correction - our toddler is an absolute bear.  Breakfast is rushed, we're running late and the kitchen is a mess when we leave for Monday School.

The day feels harried and chaotic.  This Monday...the day after Easter.

Where is the wild happiness of yesterday?  Where are the ready smiles, the joyful thought of those sunbeams falling on an empty tomb on a morning so long ago?

The fact is that it's not about a day.  It's not about the sunshine or the songs, the new dresses or even the time with family.  It's about a risen Savior.  About truth, a truth that overcomes clouds and crankiness...sin and death.

Every day I have the knowledge of that truth.  Regardless of the minutiae of my day, truth remains.   The joy is there.  I have only to make the choice.

I want to keep my eyes on Him.   If I focus on the stuff around me, I will surely sink.   It's so good to know that the truth is not dependent on how my day is going, or how I'm feeling.  The truth is, He rose and He reigns.

It's not about a day.  It's not about a feeling.  It's about Jesus.

And so I choose joy.  I choose Him.