As a young child, our family always arose early to attend Sunrise Service at our church. There was a sense of barely controlled excitement, and for us kids, probably not for sacred reasons. I recall that my sister and me had two Easter dresses. One was starched and pressed, but easy to get on and off, before and after Sunrise Service. Neverthless, we were to look our best for other sleepy-eyed congregants.

The second dress was a whole other story. My dresses were usually a bit “prissy,” with seemingly yards of crinoline underneath. The message was, going above and beyond in appearance was one way we showed the Lord honor. That was great (except for the scratchiness of the crinoline) for a little girl who just loved dressing up. Why get excited about Easter baskets when you were getting all dolled up for the whole neighborhood and church (oh, yeah, and God) to see, right? Not much of the Resurrected Christ in that.

Praise God, He didn’t leave this vain child there!

But truthfully, Dear Reader, there are grown up distractions to celebrating Easter that can be scratchier than crinoline. Things like work, family challenges, the ham scorching before I get home from church. And all the time, the Risen Christ waits patiently for me to lay it all down at His feet. He gently reminds me that it’s time to put the crinoline aside so we can celebrate the new life He died and rose again to give me.

(Click the image for a new twist on one of my favorite hymns. It’s sure to stir up the Easter in you!)