The Rest of Easter

I love the beautiful sound of birds chirping as they break the morning silence. Not the kind of caw that a rooster makes – that gives a whole new meaning to “rude awakening.” They are called “Song Sparrows” and their music marks the beginning of Spring in my corner of southwestern Ontario.

These birds, while acting as nature’s alarm clock for me – have not enjoyed a deep sleep.

In my own pursuit to be a better steward of this earth God has placed me on, I’m more keenly aware of His intentional and intricate design of all living things.

And so, I see the birds in a whole new way.

Did you know that birds rarely enter a state of deep sleep? They use something called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS) which keeps their brain partially awake as they rest so they can be alerted to danger. The more protected a bird feels when sleeping, the more likely it will enter a deeper sleep.

Sounds a lot like being a parent to a teenager, doesn’t it?

Worry and anxiety seem to be ever-present in the rhythms of our lives. And yet, we have a Heavenly Father as our Protector. Consider this passage from Matthew 25-27…

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Part of your celebrations this Easter may include an egg-hunt with your children or grandchildren. Maybe you will dye eggs, or enjoy one of my personal favourites – the chocolate cream egg!

In these moments, let it be a reminder how much God sees you and loves you. May you have a bird’s eye view of greatness of God’s care for you!

And may you know the peace of God that’s available for all people, accomplished on our behalf through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  This is where you’ll find rest at Easter.

Matthew 11:28-30The Message (MSG) ^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Carolyn Innis serves as the Communications Director at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. and is passionate about media and storytelling that helps people in their Christian journey. Carolyn lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her two daughters and husband Reg where they are part of a thriving community of Christ followers at Lincoln Road Chapel. You can read more from Carolyn in Crossroads’ Reach magazine.