Church Distraction

Today during services I felt something land on my shoulder and then drift down. Now since the beginning of opening prayer I'd had a hair stuck in my dress strap just off my shoulder blade that kept taunting me with tickles. No matter how I twisted, turned, yoga-ed or groaned (happened out loud before I realized) it remained just out of reach. So when something hit my shoulder I though "Ah ha! I've got it" but when I glance over I saw a small yellow spider, the size of my finger nail jump from my shoulder to my plateau chest. I was stunned, having a usual fear of spiders, but remained entranced as it squatted and jumped again to my leg. Not one to discourage exercise I waited to see what the next calisthenic would be but it simple remained doing squats. Having not been formally introduced I felt a little unsure of the arachnid presence so I proceeded to assist him to his next station with a gentle flap of my dress and whoosh. The novelty of the whole situation is I went from instant panic to rapid calm. Seeing it, realizing it, and then accepting it some how flowed simultaneously from one to the next. Now don't get me wrong, eight legged insects are still not welcome in my room, or on me for that matter. Should they however, be the size of a finger nail, thin, light and quick passing I will allow them a brief moment of respite before I assist them on their way.

. . . . So today is Easter, celebrated with candy, chocolate and eggs. Only I find it strange as a Christian that we call it so. Easter - the word itself - originates from Eostre a pagan goddess from Norse/Saxon mythology. Why give such a holiday a name when what we celebrate is the resurrection of Jesus Christ? We should in fact say "Happy Resurrection Day" or maybe "Happy Risen Day" or even better "Death Defeation Day." Not Easter, not eggs and bunnies, baskets and chocolate (although I appreciate the gift Mom *wink*). If you really think about it, what are we telling people when we give them chocolate bunnies or jelly bean filled eggs? These things have nothing to do with the actual "celebration" unless you are Norse/Saxon or it is bunny hunting season. Since I am not one, nor endorse the other, I think I need to find a new term. So to everyone out there reading this (all eight of you) I want to wish you a Glorious Resurrection Day.

A wonderful friend sent along this site that gives a great history of the origins of Easter. Check it out and get educated - http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t020.html?zoom_highlight=easter