Celebrating A Holiday When One Chair Is Empty

As we draw near to Easter I am aware that many of us will celebrate the day with someone missing around our table.  This will be my first Easter without mom at least available by telephone.  Although we had been separated by miles for the last six years, we always had the opportunity to visit by phone. In my office there have been three of us who have lost our moms in recent months.  We each face adjustments due to the loss.

Social media has made it easier to keep in touch with people over great distances.  As I watch people posting a variety of things about their families there is always one thing that stands out in my mind.  We face a lot of transitions during the course of our lives.  New jobs, illnesses, broken relationships, joining the military, or the death of a loved one can bring immense change into our daily lives.  This is not always easy.

We are just a little over two weeks away from Easter.  If your family will have one less person sitting at the table this year, or even a couple of people less, due to death, illness, military deployment, job relocation, or shattered relationships, please know of my thoughts and prayers for you.  As difficult as it may be, I hope you are able to give thanks to the Lord  for his mercy endures forever.