Doing Easter

I see by the weather report a white Easter is predicted for some areas of New England. The equinox is past, days are longer, and the church boiler eats into the endowment fund to keep the parishioners’ teeth from chattering as they hallelujah. Ministers will have a hard time associating the risen Christ with the emergence of new life from the frozen earth.  The Easter Parade will sort of slog. 

It’s often like that.  We have a day when we are expected to feel joy, but it doesn’t flow from our hearts on cue.  Thinking of people who are worse off than ourselves may produce a stiff upper lip, but we rarely rejoice.  We may need bright eggs, bunny rabbits, and a nibble of chocolate to divert us from gloomy thoughts.  Easter promises that elation can burst forth even in a time of despair.  Be open, but don’t push it.