The Celebration of Easter for many of us is a wonderful mixed “basket,” if you’ll pardon the pun. It’s the opportunity to gather with family and spend a few moments enjoying ourselves and each other. For many, Easter involves Church sunrise services, Easter egg hunts, family dinners, and a possible nap!
This past week, a very kind member made a lunch appointment with me. Normally, these lunch meetings involve discussion of a latest project or a question about some aspect of Chamber membership. As usual, I went over a few mental notes and then sat down to the table with the member. He simply looked at me and said, “I was at an event a few weeks ago and afterward you gathered your staff at the table and you bought them lunch and just spent time with them. I wondered to myself, ‘Who buys him lunch?’” I did remind him that helping our members is not only our job but our privilege and lunch is not necessary.
He went on to explain that he really didn’t want anything except to thank me and had no other objective in mind. We had a wonderful hour or so together discussing family, business, community and other interests. I love spending one-on-one time with our members (whether food is involved or not).
Easter is that way. While it is a Christian observance of the trial, execution and resurrection of Someone believers hold precious to their hearts it is the hope of Easter that His example of selfless sacrifice would be emulated by our world today. It’s what we’ve started calling, “passing it on.” I felt this member showed that kindness to me with their thank you.
Now, we might like to focus on all that is wrong in our world, but to me, Easter is symbolic of all that is right. It’s a time of renewal and reflection, restoration and reconciliation.
So, if you can, this weekend:
- Find a four-year old and share a Chocolate Bunny. So what if a little chocolate gets smudged on some clothes. Never mind that a little melted joy gets smeared on the face. You’ll clean up just fine for work on Monday!
- Go on an Easter Egg Hunt. There are some happening all around you. Better yet, create your own and invite some unsuspecting friend. Can you imagine surprising a 75 year old with an empty Easter Basket and pointing to the yard?
- Take someone by the hand and remind them of what they mean to you. There should never be a limit to kind words and actions; especially those that are truly sincere.
- Take a moment to ponder the important questions in your life: How are those around me doing today? What about those who’ve suffered the loss of a loved one? How can I help?
- Spend a little time reflecting on the amazing gift of life you’ve been given and pass your amazement along to someone who needs to see that kind of wonder this weekend.
Happy Easter and blessings to all of you! Thank you for your support of the Chamber.
