I love Easter. It means egg coloring, Easter baskets, egg hunts, and candy. Easter also coincides with springtime, a season of rebirth and renewal. Most importantly, Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Several months ago, my wonderful Grandma Hobbs passed away. She was a kind, beautiful, and generous woman. She came to my water polo games, helped me pay for college, and always made me feel special. I loved watching the NBA playoffs with her. She was a Utah Jazz fan and loved cheering for John Stockton (always calling him \”my little Johnny\”). Grandma Hobbs was a delight. She lived life to the fullest.

At her funeral, her three kids, 12 grandchildren, dozens of great-grandchildren, and hundreds of other family and friends were in attendance. We were sad to see her go. We missed her dearly. But we were confident that, because the Savior overcame death, we would see our sweet Grandma Hobbs again.

As an ancient prophet once testified, \”He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.\”

Jesus himself said, \”I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.\”

My faith in Jesus brings me great peace and joy. It sustains me in good times and encourages me to press onward in hard times. When I face times of sadness or frustration and feel like no one else understands, I know that He understands.

He comforts me. He strengthens me. He gives me confidence. My faith in Jesus is empowering.

In the words of one of my favorite hymns:

\”He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
\’I know that my Redeemer lives!\’\”

I\’m grateful for Easter Sunday and the celebration of Jesus\’ triumph over death. I know that because of Him I will see my Grandma Hobbs again. I know that my Redeemer lives.

I am grateful for my Savior Jesus.

#30daysofgratitude