The Silence Was Deafening

The congregation started singing an Easter Sunday favorite and my heart was ready, open and expectant. The first verse finished and the refrain began, "Up from the grave he arose,..." I leaned over to my mother with a little smile and whispered, (he arose). She returned my smile with a knowing look.

The song continued through the rest of the refrain and into the next verse.  As the refrain started for the second time, "Up from the grave he arose" the tears burned in my eyes as the deafening silence boomed in my ears, my head and my heart.

My tears spilled over onto my cheeks. I tried to inconspicuously swipe them away but with each verse the silence boomed louder and louder screaming a reminder that my father's strong, deep voice would never again sing the echoing (he arose) in this joyful Easter song.

I tried to maintain a normal expression on my face as my heart screamed and protested at the silent reminder. I missed my dad so badly my whole body hurt.

As I contemplated why I put myself through this pain and considered the possibility of staying home next time, it hit me.  He arose!  These words should bring joy, not pain.  Jesus rose from the dead giving us the promise of life ever after.  A life where I will see my dad again. For me, this promise eases the pain and fills the silence with joy.

Hallelujah, he arose!      

Quiz: What Is Love?

I need your help.  My daughter has asked me to speak at her wedding in June on the subject of love, and while I have my thoughts on the topic, I am certainly no expert. I'd like to approach it with fresh eyes, thus I'm reaching out around the world for your input. Please send me your ideas and thoughts either as a comment here or on Facebook. If you'd like to send them directly to me,  just let me know and I'll give you my email address.

Perhaps these questions will help get you started:  

• When do you feel loved?
• How do you show love?
• What emotions are part of love?
• How is self love connected to love for others?
• Why do we need love?
• Don't stop here - share whatever is on your heart/mind.

The Common Thread

I sought out Nikko Restaurant for two reasons. 1) I thought sushi sounded good for dinner.  2) I had eaten there with Harry and I liked the memory of having a really nice evening with him. 

Located on Amsterdam at 123rd Street, it is dimly lit and they have good food. The wait staff is very attentive and the customers at the hibachi tables in the next room sound like they are having fun. Most voices melted in to the background and I was secretly thrilled when the young lady with the intrusive voice finished her meal and left. 

I've become very comfortable dining alone over the past couple years. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I surf the web or catch up on Facebook. Tonight I was tired after an eleven hour day at work so I texted with Harry, read my Kindle and relaxed. I enjoy this time to reflect. 

If I listen closely I can distinguish at least three languages being spoken. I appreciate other languages and cultures. I truly love the diversity...all connected by a common thread.