Easter Resurrection, 2007

Folks,
I spoke to Jana a few minutes ago to get an update on their day. Brian worked on what they call the "bicycle" which allows Brian to sit down and work these pedals with his legs. There's a picture of him at this bicycle in an earlier entry. The bicycle has 10 difficulty settings. Before today Brian was working at the easiest setting which is a "1." Now he can use both legs. Today he worked at level "5" and took 360 steps in 10 minutes. Even for healthy folks that's a good work out!

He has also been released to drink any fluids he wants. No more need to thicken his drinks so ... bring on the Capri Suns! We are so pleased with his progress, which leads me to thinking about Easter.

This Easter feels alot different to me. I think it's because the word "resurrection" has taken on new meaning. I feel more like Mary and Martha who, when their brother Lazarus became ill, sought out Jesus because they loved their brother and they were afraid for his life. In spite of their efforts to get Jesus to save him, Lazarus died any way. I know a little more about how they must have felt. Sitting on the trauma ward floor with Jana was probably pretty close. All felt lost and hopeless. Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here he wouldn't have died!" This is the only account recorded in the Bible where Jesus cried. I can hear Martha crying and feel her tears on my own cheeks as she looked into Jesus' face. In my mind I see Jesus holding Martha close to him as they both wept.

After they make their way to Lazarus' tomb, Jesus asks that the stone be rolled back that blocked the entrance. Dumbfounded as to why, they obeyed any way. Then Jesus turns to Martha and Mary and says softly, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

Resurrection! Their joy surely began with gasps of disbelief that turned to sheer, childlike laughter!

I'm almost to the childlike laughter stage. Brian has been resurrected and given back to us. And just so he remembers the miracle that is his life, Brian is having to work a bit to regain the life he had. But there it is, right in front of him. Nothing will stand in his way now. Don't forget Brian. This is resurrection. This is your Easter! Glory to God.

Live!

Bob