Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. … Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (I Peter 1:3,9)
Christ is Risen! Alleluia ! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter, the kick off of the celebration of course was yesterday, but remember it is 50 days not just one.
And yet today on this dreary, rainy, windy day I am feeling under whelmed in the rejoicing department. I am feeling unproductive, un-creative,unambitious and generally blah. Not to worry, I am not sick; it’s that after the big event feeling. I learned it’s a real thing called the “Let Down Effect.” It is a condition following stressful events, good or bad (final exams, weddings, holidays, surgery) that leads to fatigue, illness or the flare up of certain conditions like asthma, eczema, psoriasis, migraines, or arthritis to name a few.
The remedy it seems is to be gentle with yourself. Read something you enjoy, watch a favorite movie, give yourself grace and remember you’ve got this. It may not return instantly, but give yourself a break and allow the glorious joy of the resurrection to restore your soul.
We still have a way to go with the physical distancing, but please be patient and don’t give up yet.
The past month has been a great reminder about what truly matters. For that I am truly grateful. And for all of you, I am grateful as well.
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier