One of my favorite things about Easter is the opportunity that I have to look at life again from a new perspective. This past year certainly has been a unique one, bringing with it unexpected trials and blessings. Over this time, like so many others, I have seen people I care for and respect either pass away or be afflicted or affected by Covid-19. I have had some dreams realized, while still waiting for others to be fulfilled. I think that is one reason why this Easter season seems to be more poignant this year.
The Words I Cannot Sing
A song that has always stuck with me is Anthem to My King by Octapella. Two of my favorite lines from the song are, "may the heavens find a way to hear those words I cannot sing" and "may the heavens write on every heart the words we cannot sing." I love the parallel between those two lines and the important message that they teach.
I think all of us have had times where either due to extreme joy or sorrow, there just is no way to describe what we are feeling. But whatever we are going through at that moment, we can rest assured that the heavens are listening and that they do hear those unspoken words. Likewise, there will be many words or messages written on our own hearts if we are open and willing. Christ not only knows exactly what we are going through at this moment, but He also knows what lies in store for us. As we let Him write upon our hearts, we can be changed and uplifted, strengthened and fortified, and ready to face whateve the day may bring.
When No One Understands
All of us will face challenges and trials during this life. Sometimes we feel that we are alone even when we may be surrounded by people and Covid-19 has heightened these feelings of isolation and loneliness for many of us. However, especially around this time of year, I am reminded that we are never truly alone. Elder Bednar once said,
"There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, "No one understands. No one knows." No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch, and succor--literally run to us--and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying only upon our own power."
The hope of Easter is that no ending is ever final nor story ever finished. While things may seem bleak or hard now, we can have the reassurance that things will improve. Things may not happen when or how we'd like them to, but as we place our trust in Christ, we can be assured that all things will work to our good and that He will be with us every step of the way.
I don't know what the future may bring, but I do know that there is every reason to be optimistic and hopeful. Through Christ we can find joy, hope, and healing. The possibilities are endless because of Him.
