To say that Easter 2020 will be different is an understatement. For most of us, and we are the lucky ones, it will mean there won’t be any church gatherings, there won’t be the same large group of friends and family coming together for Easter brunch and there will be fewer children racing around to collect Easter eggs. Regardless of the absence of our annual traditions, taking the time to celebrate Easter and faith, no matter what your belief system is, is especially important this year.
The Corona Virus has brought uncertainty, anxiety, loneliness, fear, illness and sadly death, For most of us it is a large inconvenience - It’s hard to work from home; It’s hard to not be able to get together with friends and family; it’s hard to not go out whenever we want; it’s hard to have our kids home all day; and it’s been particularly hard to get toilet paper and our favorite bottle of wine. For some it is more serious where we are worried about our livelihood, how we are going to pay the bills or worse yet, we are fighting for our lives or worried about a loved one.
We are all used to being more in control of our lives and situations than what we have experienced in the last few weeks. This loss of control and certainty brings on anxiety and suffering. Spiritual Faith has a way of putting things into perspective. Through faith, we let go of the notion that we are in control and in the process we find gratitude and peace.This does not mean we will never be scared or sad or even lonely, but knowing that there is a higher purpose, a higher meaning and trusting that through meditation and prayer we will receive a sense of calm.
If you are having trouble experiencing the peace and calm that comes from faith, spend time daily meditating or doing the things that bring you calm and happiness. Some examples are:
- Find a quiet place to reflect on all that you are grateful for
- Keep a journal to reflect on things that give you peace
- Read the bible or pray
- Get into nature
- Garden or Bake
Whatever it is, make it a daily habit and make sure your thoughts are positive. To read more on gratitude and happiness, click here.
Easter is a time for reflection, faith and traditions. With our traditions having been taken away from us, it reminds me of the Grinch in the ‘Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ by Dr Seuss. I think about the end of the story when he realizes that the Whos in Whoville are singing despite him robbing them of everything he thought Christmas was about, and he reflects: “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
So this Easter season, I think we have to come to the same realization as the Grinch that Easter is more than the rituals and traditions of gatherings, chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts, and with or without these things faith gives us a deeper cause to celebrate. It is a beautiful celebration of grace, sacrifice and love that has been given to all of us so we may have eternal life regardless of what this life throws at us.
This Easter and in light of these troubling times, I wish you faith and the inner peace and the love that comes along with it. If you do pray, I included a prayer below.
Happy Easter! May you and your family be healthy and safe!
Cheers!
PortoVino Co-founder
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Gracious Father, you hear the prayers of your people. Please turn your ear to my cry for help. As I seek you, would you answer and deliver me from all my fears. The fears that threaten to overwhelm me don’t stand a chance in the light of your loving power. When I feel out of control, remind me that you are in control. You make all things work together for my good even when I don’t understand how that could be possible. Increase my faith in you. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thank you ConnectUs.com for this beautiful prayer. To see more prayers for troubled times, click on their link.
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