I love Easter.  Even outside of the religious realm I can remember as a child that when mom started decorating the house for Easter — Spring, and nice weather, soon returned to us in Minnesota.

Those times reminded me that it would not be long and the cold, wet weather would be gone and I would be riding my bike, playing baseball in the yard, playing night games with the other neighborhood kids and soon be out of school for the summer.  Yes.  Easter brings back good memories for me.

Childhood memories are great. . . . but those times come to an end and eventually the reality of your life moves in.  For me, Easter changed forever in 1977 when my father suddenly died on Easter Saturday while working at a funeral.  Reality set in and as I look back I understand the worries my mom had about how was our business going to continue?  How could I pay for college?

I remember going to church the day after dad died — which was Easter Sunday.  Easter Sunday is supposed to be a joyous day, but that day sitting in church, and I remember exactly where I was sitting, seemed anything but joyous.  When Easter Saturday comes tomorrow, I’ll think about my dad  — it will be 49 years since that fateful day in 1977.  And, I’ll think about him, mom, and many others on Easter Sunday too.

But, I’ll be joyous on Sunday.  Christ is Risen!  Hope is alive for all of us!

You see, I know that I’ve been extremely blessed in my life.  Blessed in many ways. . . .including being able to work in the funeral profession where I could help others.  Just like you do in your work in Death Care.

My morning devotions today (Thursday) brought me to the Book of 2nd Corinthians where in Chapter 5, Verse 15 it says, “. . He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf”.

When I think of that verse I realize that Christ lived (and died) for all of us.  He served, including in the most human ways — such as washing the dust off the feet of his disciples.

And the verse from 2nd Corinthians instructs us that we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Him.

In funeral service we are blessed to be able to do so — to serve in the most human of ways possible — such as caring for the dead.  In my career it’s been an honor and blessing to to do that . . . . and I’m grateful that God gave me that duty.

Happy Easter — He is Risen!!!

Be Joyous!!!!

Enter your e-mail below to join the 3,201 others who receive Funeral Director Daily articles daily

“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”