What an amazing turnout we had for our first community Easter egg hunt! In the years that I’ve been coming to Bethel Church of Christ, we had never done anything quite like this before. Oh sure, this was not a new concept but what should we, a small church of about 50 people, expect? A church that many might not know. Would there be any interest at all? And so we made our guesstimates and cast our lot.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:23-24
The uncertainties were still there, but we let the ripples of excitement carry us forward. We would succeed or we would learn and the church’s faith shone. The community did not disappoint. The interest grew and people signed up to come, more than we could have hoped. The response from our community gave us hope and encouragement.
And then the weather began to threaten. We had made a commitment to the community for this Easter egg hunt, but surely the community would not want this, surely they would not come. The forecast was for rain and cold and the question came up about if we should delay the egg hunt. We held out for hope in the weather… and shockingly, the community did too. In the rainy days before and even the wet and cold day of the event, people were still inquiring, still committing. The church committed and set about setting up for an event whose outcome we weren’t sure of.
Heavy coats, rain boots and umbrellas may not be your typical Easter attire, but that is what filled our morning. Absolutely filled it.
The dedication of these parents to their children’s happiness was amazing. Never mind the cold and somewhat dreary day, the shelter at Catawba Meadows Park was filled with the light of hope, excitement and fun. It was something truly special. About 50 children and just as many parents and grandparents came despite the light rain and 44°F temperature. That is dedication.
The reward was the sights and sounds of children squealing, laughing, calling and running with the kind of joy that only children can possess, and it lifted the spirits of all who heard it.
In much the same way, God has shown His dedication to His children as well by sending forth His Son, Jesus to teach and guide us. He never said there wouldn’t be uncertainties, fears, trials. We aren’t meant to know the outcome of His plans. We are asked to keep our faith in Him and His ways, and in return He will reward us with joy and hope.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”
Galatians 6:9
As God has shown His own dedication to His children, and as these parents showed their dedication to their children, we hope that our church showed our dedication to the community so that they might feel the hope, love and dedication of God and Jesus through us. Such a simple little thing, an Easter egg hunt, and yet in small ways it exemplified much of the Bible and what it tells us of our Heavenly Father and His Son. All this to say, thank you for joining us on that dreary morning for a simple Easter egg hunt. Thank you for bringing light, love, laughter, hope, joy and commitment to that cold morning. Thank you for showing God’s love to all. A blessed Easter to you for He is risen and shall come again. Just as He said.
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed…”
Hebrews 12:2a (The Message)
Bethel Church of Christ 