So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7
One great Easter tradition is posing for family photos. I see a ton of them on social media, but it’s pretty much impossible to get that classic group shot when everyone is so far away. I will, however, share what I have and we are so blessed with great connections by phone and video.
The A-Team (Andrew, Alicia and Mr. T.) enjoyed their school Easter break by traveling from Poland to Slovenia and Croatia. When you add this to their spring vacation drive through Slovakia and Hungary they have covered some serious territory thus far in 2026.
The coastline there looks spectacular!
Mr. T., as most of you understand, maintains a level of on-line anonymity, so I am grateful for any opportunity to share what I can in this space. He is all six-year-old boy, full with smarts and silliness and excitement about life.
Meanwhile, in Florida, our Orlando grandchildren continue to grow fast, adjusting and readjusting to the upheavals in their lives. David is finishing his 8th grade year, Beks is not far behind him in 7th, and Geoffrey will hit kindergarten at full speed in the fall.
Meanwhile Naomi is making her end of things come together by working hard as an Arby’s shift manager, turning her apartment into a home, and sharing snuggles with her “TBA” dog, Obi-Wan Kenobi (TBA, you will know if you read my new book – Grace Upon Grace – stands for Trouble But Adorable).
We will likely never have “the” Easter family photo we wish we had. But the message of Easter is not so much about perfection as forgiveness. Jesus does not offer us easy answers but he does offer peace. And neither the cross nor the empty tomb give us our old life back, instead they open the road ahead to promise and purpose.
“My peace I give to you… let not your hearts be troubled and neither be afraid…” – John 14:27
Redemption is always about what God invites us into, going forward.
In a sense, the cross and the empty tomb are a portal and Jesus is our guide into the newness and the healing and the light and the possibilities. But we cannot just power through on our own, Jesus is offering his hand.
Won’t you take it. Won’t you set aside your pride? Won’t you surrender?
“Easter: The Adventure Continues.”
– DEREK
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all. – Hymnal.net