EASTER "CHARADE"

IN MOST CASES, our Easter "Charade" magnifies our stress long before Easter arrives. What? Easter Charade?

Quite often, we associate the term "Charade" with the old guessing game. One somebody acts out a thing or a scene, while others try and guess what the word or phrase is. To some, it's a little stressful.

But that's not the type of charade we're involved with at Easter. Our Easter Charade is much like the classic one defined by Webster or Random House: Actions which have no meaning--which are simply for show or pretense.

HOW SO?

Well, now, there's the extended shopping for the extra-special Easter frocks. And those long visits to beauty and barber shops for our hair cuts and curls . . . and to the manicurist to have our nails done. Plus, the dreaded cleaning and cooking and sprucing-up things around the house.

By the time we've finished ripping and running and working to "prepare" for Easter, most of us are too exhausted to partake of the real reason for the Easter season. We miss the very thing we're stressing for.

We miss seeing the beauty of new life fresh from the Lord. We miss feeling the breath of His love upon us. We miss touching the blessings intended to enrich our lives. No wonder we're overcome with stress . . . we're missing the essence of what Easter is all about.

In the beginning, Easter was the time of resurrection and newness of life. And until we slow our roles and witness the blessings of the Lord's resurrection, stresses from our Easter Charade will continue.

HAPPY EASTER!