Easter and magnolias

It's Easter morning. This has always been my most important religious/spiritual day of the year. I love to get up early on Easter morning and spend some time in quiet reflection and gratitude. In recent years the word Christian has begun to have as much a political meaning as a religious one. That saddens me because my political and social opinions are often not in line with that more conservative view. Christianity has taken on a reputation for being judgmental and restrictive. To me it always will be a faith of understanding, acceptance, and love.

I took a long walk this morning as the sun was coming up. This was the first time I have done that since the doctor told me that my Achilles tendon had healed. It was a perfect way to welcome Easter. The sky was beautiful as the sun came up and the air was filled with the scent of spring flowers and the songs of birds.

The magnolias were in full flower this morning. In many years, they get bitten back by a late frost. This year they seem to have thrived on both the deep cold and the branch-breaking snow we had this winter. They are spectacular.

I'm off to start on the preliminary preparation for Easter dinner for my family now. I am very grateful for this day.