"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."
-Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Monday, April 1, 2013

If I Had Been There

We just celebrated a wonderful Easter this past weekend.  Easter has become one of my favorites.  It has nothing to do with Peeps or fluffy bunnies and everything to do with the real reason behind the holiday- the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ.

On Friday a friend of mine posted the following photo on Facebook:
This is Peter and John in a painting by Eugene Burnand.  In the New Testament in John 20:4 it says, "So they ran both together: and the other disciple (being John) did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre."  When they arrived they saw the linens, and the napkin that was covering his head, but no Jesus.  He wasn't there because He was risen.

When I saw the picture I was instantly brought to tears.  I know that if I were there, and I had heard the news that my Savior's body was missing, I would have run there.  I would have done just as Peter and John did.

My heart was tender as I thought so much about Him this weekend.  I thought often of dear friends and family members that have lost loved ones, and what the promise of resurrection and eternal life means to them, and to me.

It means everything.

And our Savior gave it to us.  He gave it to us because He loves us.

This year in primary the kids are learning a new song called Gethsemane.  It is so beautiful.  The words are truly inspired:
Jesus climbed the hill
To the garden still
His steps were heavy and slow
Love and a prayer
Took Him there
To the place only He could go
Gethsemane
Jesus loves me
So He went willingly
To Gethsemane
He felt all that was sad, wicked or bad
All the pain we would ever know
While His friends were asleep
He fought to keep
His promise made long ago
(Chorus)
The hardest thing That ever was done
The greatest pain that ever was known
The biggest battle that ever was won
This was done by Jesus.
The fight was won by Jesus.
(Chorus)
Gethsemane
Jesus loves me
So he gives His gift to me
From Gethsemane

We are so richly blessed by our Father in Heaven.  I am humbled and thankful as I think about the sacrifice He made for us- the gift of his Son.  I believe in Christ, and I know that He lives.
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3 comments:

  1. Leslee April 2, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    I Love this song and love this post. Thank you for sharing. I am grateful for the knowledge we have.

    Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AndreaApril 2, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    I love this! I saw the original at The Orsay and couldn't stop looking at it. I love your thoughts. I hope baby girl comes soon!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ErinApril 3, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    What a beautiful painting. I often think about that time and what the members of the church were thinking and feeling upon the death and resurrection of the Savior. And the words to that song are wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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