This is it!

We had a fun filled spring break last week, and getting back into the swing of things will prove a challenge in our household.  Thankfully we have one last day today before we really have to get it all together.  I am thankful for the fun memories we made...going to the museum, having Easter Egg hunts, playing outside and at the park, and even going for ice cream at our favorite ice cream shop.  It was a glorious Easter day yesterday in NC, as we celebrated and remembered what Jesus did for us and everyone.  Our church had a lot of people in attendance and we pray for those visitors that came and that they will come again.

As we do start back to school and work tomorrow, I am a little saddened by one thought..."This is it!"

My big girl only has a few weeks left in preschool.  In just a little over a month, she will be donning a cap and gown.  She will be up on stage at her very own preschool graduation ceremony.  I will cry as my "baby" graduates and becomes a real school girl.  Only a few more weeks of 9:00-1:00.  Only a few more weeks where skipping school is not frowned upon.  Only a few more weeks with the friends she has made over the last two years.  Only a few more weeks, and that will be it.  Preschool is done.  Next chapter begins.

As I watch her growing up I think of all the "this is it" moments to come.  She and her sister will face many new chapters as they grow up and become the young women God will have them to be.  I pray I can be the best mother God will have me to be  as I help them face each new beginning.

As I think on this phrase, I am drawn to Jesus' last words on the cross.  "It is finished" were His final words before "he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost" (John 19:30).  Although He did die, He was crucified, and He was buried, the part that was "finished" was just the beginning.  Thankfully and joyfully that wasn't it.  His crucifiction was not and never will be a "this is it"  moment.  Yes He suffered for our sins.  Yes He died on that cross.  Yes it was "finished", but it wasn't over.  The finished part was the payment for our sins...but in three days they would find that grave empty and know He was alive.

Today's Verse
"And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher...He is not here, but is risen."  Luke 24:2 and 6a

I am so glad that Jesus being laid in the tomb was not the "this is it" end of the story.  He had conquered death and He had done so for us.

I am also so glad that when we face our last chapter on earth, it will not be a "this is it" end of our lives.  We will live and be with Him in heaven throughout eternity.