Every time I go on vacation, I feel the need to find a souvenir - some small (or large!) trinket to help me capture and cling to the feelings that I experienced on that particular getaway. Maybe it’s a seashell, jewelry, or a piece of artwork - regardless of my choice, my goal remains the same: Stay in the moment.

I search for these memory pieces because I worry - well, if I’m honest, I know - that I will return to reality and forget the feelings of peace and tranquility that I worked so hard to attain. And, because I don’t trust myself, I look for outside mojo to do its thing…

Isn’t that just the way? I know I am not alone, am I?

We go all around the block to get next door…to reach what was already within reach. We get so focused on reaching the feeling, that we fail to realize that it is not as far off as it appears…peace is not around us - it is actually inside of us. We were fearfully and wonderfully created with built-in peace.

It is waiting for us to access it.

God is waiting for us to access it.

I find the same cycle with Easter. We spend so much Lenten time and energy journeying toward that pivotal “Hallelujah” moment, that we potentially lose sight of the truth that the Resurrection journey has already been traveled.

The truth of the matter is this: The battle has already been won. Jesus has already declared victory over death.

Hallelujah, indeed!

It is not about the souvenir trinkets or the fasting, or the Cadbury eggs (my favorite!) and fish sandwiches…no symbols or purchases can make the experience - by the grace of God, we do.

With divine help, we make the experience. Equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit, we are the experience.

The experience of Easter - not the date - but the experience of Easter should carry the same sentiment for all of us. The actual apex of the Easter event may have come and passed, but the Resurrection experience remains.

In us.

Through us.

As we catch and resume our breath after climbing the Lenten hill toward Easter Sunday, let us not forget that Resurrection continues.

Joy is ongoing!

We don’t have to schedule it on our calendars - we can experience the joy of the Lord any time, all the time! What a gift from God.

And, let us not forget that to whom much is given, much is [indeed] required. (Luke 12:48)

This means that while the harvest is ripe and peace abounds, so does the work toward collective liberation. Let us not make the mistake of putting our trust in plane tickets and historical battles that have already won… just like racism remained after President Obama was elected, people are still being shackled even as Christians celebrate spiritual freedom.

The good news, beloveds, is that it is with that built-in peace and power that we are able to tend to both realities as they coexist. It is with the grace of God that we can experience that joy, even as stressful headlines continue. No purchase necessary!

All we need is faith in the Creator of those beautiful sunsets and beaches that we long for…may we and all who are in bondage be liberated to experience the Resurrection beauty that God has designed right alongside of us, inside of us.

Now and ever more.

Amen.