We are indeed children of the light. When we first realize that the darkest day of late December’s winter solstice lies behind us, we celebrate this season of hope with Christmas, Saturnalia, and many other northern hemisphere rites. Now, when that daylight comes literally into full flower, dazzling our eyes with daffodils, forsythia, and small buds of high promise, we emerge from hope into resurrected joys. We celebrate Easter and the return of every new life under the sun. Once again, we sense opportunity – visions of new plans, schemes, and creations blossom within our minds. Now is the time to….(fill in your favorite venture here).
And humanity’s creative juices begin to flow. Can’t you feel your fingers itching to build? ‘Twas ever thus. Back in the 12th century, the Catholic church mandated that all good Christians should give up eating eggs as part of their Lenten fasting. The people agreed, but somehow the chickens didn’t get the memo and they kept laying those lovely fresh ovoids. The farm folks, unwilling to let good eggs go to waste, began decorating them in wildly ornate colors. We just cannot resist celebrating or setting idle hands to artistic pursuits.
So this Eastertide, when we celebrate the man taught us to rebuild our world into a kingdom of love, it is my hope that we may all catch that spirit. To Hell with the Devil who smiles at every suicide, harbored hate, and maliciously pandered fear. Who needs that paralysis? We have dreams to construct and bring forth. Please accept my Easter wish that we all roll up our sleeves, join hands and see just what we can make together.
Wishing You Every Success,
Bart Jackson