Today, I was going to write a coffee date post with all the random happenings in my world, but something struck me this weekend that I just had to share. I rarely write inspirational posts. I know I couldn’t do it as well as my friend Chelsea, who inspires me on a weekly basis. This time, I just can’t help but share what’s on my heart.
The church I grew up in has an Easter service that starts at 11:30 p.m. and ends somewhere between three and four in the morning (yes, you read that right). Once it ends, there is a big celebration in the fellowship hall. It has always been my favorite service of the year. For one reason or another, I haven’t been able to make it in a few years. This year, I was excited to go.
The service starts in the dark, and right before midnight we head outside to sing and walk around the church three times, proclaiming the Good News. At midnight, we head back into the church and into the light for the rest of the service. In that moment, surrounded by hundreds of people, I felt so much joy because, y’all, there is so much good in this world.
Although I am using the example of Easter, this isn’t a religious post. As a Christian, all good things come from Christ, but even if you are not, I think joy can be found in the small things. Yes, the world is a dark place, and current events are downright terrifying, but there is something to love about each and every day. I find joy in blue skies, sunsets, and the sound of water.
Sometimes the good thing in my day is an extra 15 minutes to read a chapter in my book or a fresh cup of raspberries as a snack. There are days that are so hard or stressful it’s hard to come up with a good thing on the spot, but there is always something. Let’s start off this week believing in the good in this world. I truly believe it’s the only way to live life.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me something good about today.
I've never heard of a service like that but it does sound wonderful! My church has a sunrise service so you worship outside as the sun rises ("as the son rises") followed by breakfast together.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just need a week to just recenter yourself, but I'm glad that you're feeling better. I always find myself getting to caught up in the negative sometimes that I fail to recognize the little things that should bring me so much joy. I need to try and get myself to remember those things!
ReplyDeleteEven though I am not Christian, I love that there are services out there like this. Even someone who isn't the same religion can understand the impact of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing Easter service. I've never attended one like that, but our neighbors were just telling us about theirs and it sounds similar-- going until 3 in the morning and finishing with a big feast. Love this and a great reminder to look for something good, even something small!
ReplyDeleteYour service sounds wonderful! Sounds like an amazing way to celebrate the resurrection!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, and I love your church's tradition at midnight! So sorry to hear you weren't feeling well, but glad you're doing better this week *hugs* <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Glad you're feeling better girl!! Perfect and powerful message! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I'm so glad you had a great Easter. That service sounds amazing and very moving. I too try to find the little things to appreciate. Today I woke up to the sound of birds chirping instead of my alarm clock :) Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! This is so true, it's great to challenge ourselves to find the good and wonder in every day. I went in to today on a high after a wonderful Easter and I'm determined to keep that goodness in mind as the weeks goes on and inevitably gets more stressful!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better. Great post. We should always count our blessings. I have been trying to be more positive and I find it does make a difference.
ReplyDeleteChelsea is a master at inspirational posts but I think you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteThat church service sounds amazing! What an awesome experience! We have a typical hour-long Sunday morning service on Easter morning but your church does it right!
You are so sweet, friend. And I am so encouraged by this! You are right, sometimes the world is dark and broken and sad and just hard, but there is still so, so much good.
ReplyDeletei'm glad everything is fine, but i hope you're feeling better :)
ReplyDeletei am with you though, there is always something good. i seek it out as well, otherwise i'd probably be upset all the time! whether it's a message from my mum, a cuddle from my cats or a good book. there's always something!
Glad you are feeling well and yes, you're absolutely right . . . there is so much light and love in the world - I just wish the media portrayed more of it instead of all the bad news.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I think in the past year (especially) there has been so much awful news and events in the world, it can definitely be hard to see the positives. I love this post and thanks for the reminder. Even though I try to remember frequently, it helps to read it from another! :) Today I am grateful for a slow morning back at work after a needed getaway with KC and friends. I'm grateful for books, planners, coffee, friends and family who support my small business, and the blogging community. :) Hope you're feeling better, I've been feeling a little icky the past few days too. : / XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
This post is wonderful! Some days it's so hard to think of the good things, but there really are good things every day. I'm going to try to focus on the good things this week! And your Easter service sounds amazing! I would love to go to something like that.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, sweet friend!!
ReplyDelete