Easter...and my Dad.

If you grew up in the church listening to Christian music in the 80's - you were more than likely a fan of Sandi Patty, or in my case...a kid who's parents loved Ms. Patty, but you did not care for her less than "pop" style of music. However, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Sandi because of a sweet tradition between my Dad and I that began as a result of one of her songs...

In 1986 Sandi Patty's 'Morning Like This' album was released. The title track 'Morning Like This' is an Easter song - very cheesy sounding instrumentals (which anyone who knows me knows I have a great love for all things cheesy AND nostalgic), but very cool lyrics!

"Was it a morning like this? When Mary walked down from Jerusalem? And two angels stood at the tomb, Bearers of news she would hear soon. Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice To feel you again? Over and over like a Trumpet underground, Did the earth seem to pound: “He is risen” over and over in a never ending round “He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”

[this is just a snippet...]

Not sure how or when it started, but as far back as I can remember on Easter morning my Dad would come in very early and wake me up saying "Jessica...can you hear it? Do you hear it?" As a little girl excited to be up early w/ Dad I'd jump out of bed going "WHAT...HEAR WHAT? I DON'T HEAR ANYTHING!" And he'd say something to the effect of...lyrics above. Grass singing. Earth rejoicing...like a trumpet underground, etc. Fast forward to the teenage years when he'd come in and ask me that and 1) I'd be a typical annoyed teen who didn't want to be woken up for anything & 2) I'd groan and roll my eyes because I knew exactly what he meant. "Yeah OK, Dad...yup, I hear the grass." This is not an earth shattering or inspiring story - I am sure. But the reason I even bother to blog about it - is this. My Dad still does it today. Only now it's via text and I absolutely love it. Like clock work - every Easter, around 5am or so...my phone will buzz. I still have last year's saved on my phone "Can you hear it? The earth seems to shout HE is risen. I love you. Dad."

I love my Dad, and though our relationship has seen peaks and valleys...I'm amazed at the sense of bellonging and security I feel when he does things like this. [hmm...even typing that phrase spins up another blog entry.] But it's not just about my Dad...

I pulled up the lyrics to that song today again. I keep reading and re-reading.

I'm embarassed to admit that the season leading up to Easter is more often than not consumed with thoughts on what we'll all wear to church rather than taking time to reflect on the events that ACTUALLY happened, which necessitate the reason for reflection/celebration. Think I'll intentionally continue chewing on that over the next couple of days.

Happy Easter!