I stumbled across a song by Laura Story the other day, and was reminded of it again tonight, through something someone had posted on facebook. Not quite remembering how the song went, I went over to youtube and took a listen. I realized how much this song reflected on my Easter experience this year. It was a different one, first holiday away from my family and first Easter not attending the Catholic Church. It was hard at times, so many differences, not quite feeling in the holiday spirit at times, simply because it didn't feel like a holiday. The chorus of the song states:
What if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes
to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
It brings up some good questions, and regardless of your background, Christian, Athesist, whatever, it holds a message. Sometimes our greatest blessings come through times of trial. You hear stories all the time of families who are brought back together after a diagnosis of a loved one, or friends who reunite in the wake of a tragedy. maybe the rain isn't that drastic, maybe it is as simple as spending a holiday away from someone you love. I realized this weekend that my family might actually miss me. My brother, although taunting me for the most part, sent email after email. I have never communicated with this kid so much in my life, even when I was living at home. My parents called at least twice this weekend, and that's in addition to the time I called, hashing out my brother. One of the big blessings I felt through this trial, this period of rain, was the love and support of my family.
As well, I spent most of the weekend at the Salvation Army. Organized Church is something I had been lacking in lately, too busy with schoolwork and curling to be involved in much and it was refreshing to share in worship with like minded individuals. It was also different. Really different. I have gone to a Catholic Church for 18 Easters, and it is always the same, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday it is the same service. It is a service I am comfortable in, and I was more than uncertain going into service at the Salvation Army, especially on Good Friday. It wasn't all that bad though. It was different, but sometimes different is good. It shakes things up and makes us reconsider our routines. Blessing number two for this weekend.
My final Blessing that came through this period of rain was the exact opposite of rain. It was a beautiful weekend (although it is supposed to pour tomorrow and I have a nice long bike ride ahead to volunteer). Because of the great weather I took a hike and got lost in the best way possible. I was exploring a new trail, in a new park and just kept wandering. I knew which way was out if worst had come to worst, but that was probably one of the best feelings, the slight fear of being lost, but still knowing how to be found. I also had the opportunity to take the bike out, and it never ceases to amaze me the power a bicycle gives me. Even while struggling up hills I felt alive, and joyous. It is something I underestimate every time. Cycling instills a sense of wonder and amazement, and adventure. Refreshing after all the stress and changes experienced lately. Blessing number three.
I guess the whole purpose of this post is not to tell you what a fantastic weekend I had, but to caution you not to shy away from the difficult parts of life. To embrace the disappointments, the times of grief, of pain, those nights where you cannot sleep because 50 things are running through your head. Those times will challenge you, but they may also be some of your greatest blessings. In the words of Dory from finding Nemo "Just keep swimming."
Here's a link to the song, I encourage you to take a listen, regardless of your spiritual background, you can relate I am sure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ
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