Today, as you and your family settle down to a ham dinner to celebrate Easter, shuffle through your Easter baskets or share a service in church, remember that this holiday – and the time of year that surrounds it – offer us all a chance to begin again.

Saturday, April 22, 2000

Today, as you and your family settle down to a ham dinner to celebrate Easter, shuffle through your Easter baskets or share a service in church, remember that this holiday – and the time of year that surrounds it – offer us all a chance to begin again.

Spring’s new buds and Easter’s message of faith show that any life, no matter how dismal to this point, can be turned around with a little hope and a whole lot of love.

This season’s message springs eternal – that once again everything is new, fresh and ready to start another cycle of growing and changing.

Easter’s message is that God’s love – and sacrifice – allow us all to try to change our ways, even if our own lives have been filled with sin. Opening your heart to God’s love is all the invitation He needs to help you create a path of faith and hope.

In today’s busy world, there are plenty of chances to look at the negative and ignore the positive. After all, the news this week alone was filled with devastation and sadness.

In our haste to live our lives, sometimes we forget what is most important – our families – and concentrate on what is fleeting – money, a better house, a better car, a better job.

As another springtime begins and another Easter passes, use this time to renew your own determination and to reprioritize your life.

If you have been too focused on your job, take more time with your children. And, if your days have been filled with sadness, seek help, whether it be through a church or a counselor.

A year from today, you will wonder why it took you so long to get it right.

Have a Happy Easter and may the hope and love of the season be a part of your life for not only today, but all year long.