Crosses – We rejoice in the cross today – Hallelujah!

Crosses are a sign of hope and they also hold a special significance in my life.  During Lent, I lovingly choose a different cross necklace each day to wear, each holding its own story of where they came from.  Our 40 days of Lent have been a time of sacrifice and reflection, recalling the story of our Lord and Savior’s path to death on a cross.  But we, as Christians know the end of that story is only the beginning.  Through our crosses, His cross, He is asking us to look for signs of hope and His glory.  My love of crosses started after an amazing encounter in the sky and have since witnessed so many times.  My crosses in the sky I see as a sign from God that everything will be alright and that He is always with me. Previously, living in the country, I had decided one day to go down the road for some food shopping.  I made the decision to take some back roads instead of travelling the chaos of our Interstate.  During my drive, I was purposely looking for all the hopeful signs of Spring, and God did not disappoint!  I was rewarded with visions of trees in bud, daffodils, Forsythias, and other small signs of springtime along my journey.  I found myself smiling and thanking God for all the beauty He provides to us, if only we’ll take the time to notice.  As I continued down the windy roads of the “Hereford Zone,” I passed what used to be a popular winery, and glanced briefly to my right, noticing an old stone and wooden building close to the road.  I had never noticed it before, but my eyes were drawn to something special about this worn, old structure.  To say it was in need of repair was an understatement.  The wooden roof was tattered and torn, and much in need of some attention and TLC.  Pieces of the roof were missing, exposing the inside of the building, due to our well known Hereford Zone winter weather.  But the first thing my eyes were drawn to was not the disrepair of the roof or the structure itself, but what I believe Jesus wanted me to notice.  As large as life was the partially torn roof had exposed a wooden cross for my eyes to witness. 

  In that cross I saw hope.  Hope that even though at times we are all worn out on our journey, vulnerable and in need of repair, His cross is there before us always.  This Easter let’s embrace the hope of the cross and the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection.  Take time to look for your own signs of hope, maybe in photographs you’ve taken or going on a drive and noticing the miracles that Jesus has put in your life.   In thankfulness for what Jesus gave up for you and me, spend some time reflecting on those signs of His love. Remember, the stone has been rolled away for you and me!  He has risen!   

  “For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God; for we also are weak in Him, yet we live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4