Easter

Some of you might have noticed the change in the look of my blog. With Easter around the corner and the beginning of Spring, I thought it fitting to add color to my page. Here in the UK the bushes are getting greener and many of the trees are full of blossoms. The yellow daffodils are standing tall and other flowers are poking up their green heads. New life is beginning and some life is beginning anew.

How many of us have not felt the cold of winter? or the darkness of night? and in contrast, the warmth and light of the Sun? I've always gotten really excited when the sun peaks its head out after a long winter, but I am especially grateful this Spring. I've never experienced so much darkness in a Winter before this year.

My thoughts turn to the Book of Mormon story following the crucifixion of Jesus. The darkness was so thick, they couldn't see their hands in front of their faces, nor could they light a candle to get light. There was nothing but darkness for three days straight. I imagine children clinging to their mothers for comfort and wives turning to their husbands. When suddenly they hear a voice, a still small voice, yet it pierces them to their core. They look and see the Resurrected Savior descending from Heaven. What a marvelous sight to see his light in contrast to the darkness.

I've felt for some time now that the Spring is Heavenly Father's way of reminding us each year of the light the Savior brought to the world. Each winter we experience an added measure of darkness, and each Spring, the world gets brighter and more beautiful. Easter is a celebration of the light the Son of God gave to each one of us, the new beginning he offered us. Just as there is new life all around us each Spring, so Jesus gave his life so that we could live again. He went through the darkest of hours prior to his death so we would not have to if we repent and become clean of our sins. I'm thankful for my Savior's love. I'm thankful for His light. And I'm thankful for Spring.