As Easter comes closer, I hear more people talk about Easter vacation, about Spring break, time away from work and school. And it’s no wonder. We are very busy people these days. For those who are fortunate enough to be employed, and for so many of us, there’s more than enough to do, and with technology and tools, we can accomplish a great deal. In fact, we can work around the clock, and some do.

But Easter is not about how busy we are at all. And it has nothing to do with how much we can accomplish. Easter is about what God has done, and will do. On Easter we celebrate that God has raised Jesus from the dead; that life has overcome the grave.

God owns resurrection. We do not make it happen.

However, what we do does matter. Our task is to point to that holy truth, and to proclaim with joy the promise of life over death, and its endless possibilities.

As St. Paul said, one of us can plant, one of us can water, but God will take what we do to give the growth. And that’s true when we serve others, as we reach out to offer love and mercy, a helping hand, to those most in need; or when we provide food and drink to those who are truly hungry and thirsty. God will use that to raise up possibilities to give hope and even a glimpse, sometimes, of new life.

The true Easter break is not about a few days away from work, or time off from school. The true Easter break is a gift from heaven, from the one who can do what we cannot: The fulfillment of the promise of life over death.

As we enjoy some time away this spring season, it’s an excellent opportunity to stop, to give thanks, for both the gift and the promise of resurrection, and the endless possibilities it brings.

May you have a joyous and blessed Easter celebration and season.

— Bishop James E. Waggoner, Jr.