RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Today would have to be one of my favourite days of the year. Easter, I hope is always an uplifting time for Christians. I was afraid that this one would be different. Term 1 as a teacher at Gilston State School has not been what I expected, and without going into too much detail; when I left Thursday afternoon, it was not with a lot of enthusiasm for Term 2.

I haven't been able to sleep, I haven't been able to relax - I have just been depressed. Do a good feeling to have at Easter. One thing Mark and I did on Good Friday, after coming home from Church was, we watched `The Passion'. The part that hit me most this year, strangely enough was what we call other prisoners on the cross, particular the one who Jesus said to, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

When I am depressed, one of the first people who come to my mind is my big sister, Mary. No matter what would happen in my life - good or bad - I always knew Mary was there to encourage me. It cheered me a little reaffirming the fact that she was in Heaven with the Lord; but I was still feeling a little selfish, wishing she was hear with me.

I woke up this morning - Resurrection Sunday - singing choruses; the first time in ages. I had slept well and was excited about what the Lord had in store for us at Church. I wasn't disappointed - well maybe just a little. On Friday we sang some of my favourite hymns and I was hoping there would be more this Sunday. Still, it was easy to fall into worship mode. Communion was inspiring and the sermon - well, guess what it was about? You guessed it - the prisoner on the cross.

It was a wonderful sermon reminding us of God's promise of eternal life - his gift. All we needed to do was ask God to `remember us', and he would. When we die, we would be with him in Heaven. What more of an encouragement does a person need. Then it hit me - how selfish can I be. My family aren't with me, but how dare I be depressed - when they are enjoying time with the Lord in Heaven.

The challenges I face next term, will be difficult, and I may still feel lonely at times. But I don't have to feel ALONE. My family are with the Lord in `paradise', and one day I'll get to join them - when God has finished with me on earth. What wonderful PROMISES!!