There are two reasons that our Easter was a different “sort of one.”

First, this is our first Easter to have Theodore, our adopted child from China! Which makes all of us want to shout, “hallelujah!”

It brought me much joy to wake up and think how grateful I am to have him “home” with us this year as we celebrate all that Christ has done for us on the cross.

The second reason that this wasn’t our “normal” Easter is to have my father- in -law in the hospital.

Our tradition for quite awhile has been to share an Easter meal at our place with My in-laws and a few friends.   So, it wasn’t the same knowing that my father-in-law, Jimmy, is in a place that none of us would choose to be.   He emerged from the ICU just in time for Easter so that was a praise.

There have been so many blessings amidst this sad season – as our every need has been met. We have been showered with wonderful food, sincere love, beautiful flowers, kind texts, thoughtful calls, and sacrificial prayers.

So while this wasn’t a normal Easter, it’s one that I am reminded of the great hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” that the cabinet maker and hymn writer, Edward Mote.  He wrote over 100 hymns and I have a feeling that he never would have dreamed that this particular hymn would still be bellowing from many churches nearly 200 years later.

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare note trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand. ”

Edward Mote, 1834

No, it was definitely a “different sort of  Easter,” but one that reminded us of of the ONLY thing that stays the same.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”Hebrews 13:8