Happy Easter!
The Super Bowl of Christianity, with its message of hope and promise of eternal life, made possible by the ultimate sacrifice.
And even if you’re not a believer, today remains significant for its message of rebirth, relevant to all humans – no matter what deity they pray to – or deny the existence of.
Perhaps you’re reading this during one of your two annual church visits, standing way in the back – or in the parking lot, if you didn’t arrive an hour early – googling the word narthex and who said “You can’t build a church for Easter!”
Giving you plenty of time to contemplate rebirth – and time, your thought of “How much longer” being more relevant than you realize.
How much more time do I have? And why am I still here?
Fortunately, I can help, as I took a graduate level course: “The time continuum – What year is it anyway?”, my first choice, “Dressing for the Weather”, already filled.
The course was challenging: The final exam was trying to figure out when the final exam was. And it was also confusing – did showing up late, or not at all, earn extra credit?
I built a Way back machine to take class notes yesterday, today and tomorrow – simultaneously – which earned an A, though not sure in which year of college – so I’m qualified to sort out “The time horizons of Easter – But no need to change your clocks”.
Of course, Easter’s primary time horizon is eternal, as Jesus’ sacrifice delivers the promise of eternal life. Which is like forever squared.
As Christians, that provides a powerful incentive to live in a way that merits the reward of eternal life.
Which means there’s work to be done here, while we anticipate whatever’s next.
As I’ve written before: Every day is a gift from God, and we honor Him – and ourselves – by making the most of it.
Life should be a series of Little Easters, as we challenge ourselves to be reborn, and continue growing each day of our lives.
But humans are slow learners, needing an occasional jolt to remember to make the most of their lives – a jolt like a near death experience. Or a wasted near death experience.
Which happened to me when I ‘hiked’ the AT years ago and suffered kidney failure, primarily due to excessive ibuprofen, muscle degradation, and creepy banjo music. But I didn’t know I was near death – I just knew I couldn’t finish my beer, which should have been a hint.
Eventually it got better, but I still feel cheated for not seeing the ‘white light’.
It was an alarm bell to make the most of each day. And to never hike again.
A reminder to take nothing for granted. If you do, you aren’t paying attention.
But while focused on daily rebirth and self-improvement, we can’t forget to savor life’s moments – big and little.
My favorite nugget of wisdom on the importance of life’s ‘little’ moments is Warren Zevon’s, when asked what he’d learned from his ultimately fatal bout with mesothelioma: “Enjoy every sandwich”.
Combined with his song “I’ll sleep when I’m dead!” – everyone’s 4AM anthem -reminding us to have some fun along the way.
All that considered, Time as a ‘circle’ returns us to: How much time do I have left? And why am I still here?
That first thing ain’t up to us, but that second thing sure is.
I’ll close with Andy Dufresne’s advice: “Get busy living, or get busy dying”.
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TO ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENTOF THIS POST, PAIR IT WITH THE FOLLOWING SONGS:
While most posts will cite the incredible mid-‘80s collaborations from the Reverend Billy Graham and Ethel Merman: “Jesus, Let’s Disco!” “Billy and Ethel do Dylan!” “The Trinity Sessions” and “Billy and Ethel – Live At Woodstock” I’ve gotta go with Warren Zevon, a musician prominent in the ‘70s-‘90s .
I listened to “Warren Zevon” (1976) on my beach walk today, and it’s in the pantheon of all time great first albums. And of course, “Excitable Boy” was a cultural phenomenon.
His final composition:
Keep Me In Your Heart Warren Zevon
Shadows are fallin’ and I’m runnin’ out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while
If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while
When you get up in the mornin’ and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for a while
There’s a train leavin’ nightly called “When All is Said and Done”
Keep me in your heart for a while
Keep me in your heart for a while
Sometimes when you’re doin’ simple things around the house
Maybe you’ll think of me and smile
You know I’m tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep me in your heart for a while
Hold me in your thoughts
Take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes
Keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you
Engine driver’s headed north up to Pleasant Stream
Keep me in your heart for a while
These wheels keep turnin’ but they’re runnin’ out of steam
Keep me in your heart for a while
This one, well done!!
some good advice….I will “enjoy every sandwich.”