It's Monday. What Will You Do?

The Christmas season is full of hype. We go crazy from Thanksgiving to Christmas trying to recapture that same sense of wonder we had as children, or trying to pass on the mystery to others. And, within twenty-four hours, it's over. Some of us return to work the next day, some of us are able to prolong it until after the New Year; but, essentially, it's a one day event. Twenty-four hours after we've dined on seven fishes, or transported the family to candlelight service, all is quiet. Traditions and decorations go back into storage.

"Easter" as it is generally known, is a bit different, however. Forty days prior, is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, a season some associate with Jesus' forty days in the wilderness, a season some observe with self-denial, repentance, and reflection. As Lent draws to a close, Maundy Thursday is an observance of Jesus' Last Supper when He celebrated Passover, instituted Communion, and washed the disciples' feet. Good Friday we are reminded of Christ's death on the cross and the inhumane treatment He endured. Sunday morning is the masterpiece. The glorious rendering of Christ's completed work and His confirmed power over sin and death! Days and days of heart preparation and solemn remembrances end in Resurrection Sunday celebration! He is risen! 

But, this is Monday. What are we expected to do on Monday? 

Just over a year ago, we all entered into this "COVID thing." We didn't know when it would end; we didn't know how it would all transpire. We're not much more informed today, but we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout the ordeal, I have heard many people promise to never take things like family gatherings, lunch with friends, and seeing another person's smile for granted. Others have struggled with mental health during this time of isolation. Others were never able to properly grieve or say "farewell" to those whey lost. We have been changed. Our perspectives have been altered by these events. This past year has brought us to a place of gratitude for some of the simplest things. Let's hope we never forget. But, we are a fickle, selfish people. Remember the spirit of brotherhood and equality that existed after 9/11? Last summer was a far cry from that.

So, what about Monday? 

None of us listened as Jesus spoke the words of Scripture through cracked lips, as He hungered in the desert. None of us watched as He knelt to wash the feet of His friends. None of us collapsed at the foot of the cross, begging the cruelty to end. None of us felt the earth quake or heard our gasps echo through an empty tomb. None of us was there. On Monday, we can go back to the lives we knew before we entered this time. We can pack away the traditions and decorations for another year. Or, we can trust that it all happened, rest in the truths we have heard in this season, and allow the Spirit of God to change us. 

It's Monday, what will you do?