Editorial on Rebirth

There was an editorial in the Deseret News on Easter that had such a very touching message for me.  It inspires me to be a better person.  It makes me want to have a softer heart.   I have seen so many lives that are full of hurt because of the inability to forgive, to make amends, to move on.   It is especially hard if the person, or situation, causing the pain does not feel they have done anything wrong.  But ultimately the unforgiving heart, even when it may be justified, slowly poisons itself.  I always remember the analogy of acid in a pail.  The acid does much more harm to the container then to it's surroundings.  

Here is most of the editorial:

For Christians, the word "resurrect" has a specific meaning. They spell the word with a capital R. It refers to Jesus Christ rising from the tomb on the third day. For committed Christians, that has always been the touchstone of faith, the litmus test for true believers. . .

At Easter, however, along with the "large R" word, it's also worthwhile to contemplate "small r" resurrections — moments in life when a second chance is offered, when people in our lives resurface or treasured memories ignite again in the mind. A glimpse in the Thesaurus shows that "resurrect" can also mean "reactivate," "reanimate," "reawaken" and "revive." And for Christians, the "large R" resurrection should be a call to share that gift in many "small r" ways.

That friendship that has gone dormant? Now's a fine time to make a phone call or pay a visit. If, as the old song say, "Love makes the world go round," then "relationships are what make love go round."

Conversations with lifetime companions about the burnished days past are what folklorists call "triggers" — they call to mind thoughts and feelings that give our lives continuity and meaning.

Easter is also a good time to "consider the lilies," to watch the rebirth of flowers, leaves and other natural wonders. If a daffodil can snap back after a hard winter, surely people can as well.

Lessons can be learned. Easter is a time of second chances.

And, to borrow a thought from singer Julie de Azevedo, Easter may be a time to let someone "out of jail" — to forgive slights and offenses and allow a soul we've confined to the sidelines to get back in the game with us.

Forgiveness always blesses two lives — the forgiver and the forgiven.

But, most of all, perhaps Easter should also be a time to "reawaken" sleeping dreams, former commitments and the courage to stay the course or — when needed — chart a fresh route.

Nobody could ever repay the gift of Resurrection. The best we can do is enhance all its "small r" versions in our lives . . .

I love the small "r: words "reactivate," "reanimate," "reawaken" and "revive."   They give me hope and energy.  I think I would also add another small "r" of "recognize."  If we recognize our blessings, even in times of sorrow,  how much better is the "condition" of our hearts. 

I hope everyone can have many small "r"s in their lives.
We need them.