Each year since we moved to the lake I have walked down to the water very early to watch the sunrise on Easter.  This is a deeply spiritual experience for me as I breathe and feel the presence of God around, in, through me and expressing as me.  I feel the breeze on my skin and blowing through my hair. I notice the smells and sounds of life all around me.

As the sun rises I am reminded that though all may seem dark during the night the sun is still there, we just aren’t in the right place during the orbit of our planet to see it.   Sometimes during the darkness, we get anxious waiting for the light. We might say, “it’s too dark or it’s too cold.” So instead of waiting for the light and warmth of the sun, we might turn on big spotlights or light bonfires turning our attention toward the world and away from the light of God.  We might even become so distracted that we fail to see the sunrise. But every morning the sun appears on the horizon and brings light back to our world. 

On Easter morning the rising of the sun reminds me that God is always present, even if I don’t always see.  It also reminds me of the risen son of God. Easter then becomes a celebration of light overcoming darkness, life overcoming death and love overcoming fear.  Light, life, love. It’s that simple but humans like to complicate everything don’t we?

This Resurrection Sunday I hope you have a chance to know the presence of God as you watch the sunrise, reflect on the risen son and remember light, life, and love.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” but he also said, “you are the light of the world.” Don’t forget to let your light shine.