Happy Easter- A day for gratitude

I love Easter. Not for any bunny, candy, or commercialized crap. I love it because it is a great time to be reminded of the greatest gift we have all ever received.

The sacrifice of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I can't even begin to imagine the pain and suffering Christ felt. When I think of how much he suffered just for me I am overcome. Not only did he pay the price for my sins, but he made it possible for healing from others choices as well.

I have witnessed this first hand. I have seen the victim of sexual abuse be healed because of the atonement. She had no sin to repent from, but it was due to Christ's sacrifice in the garden and on the cross that she was able to find forgiveness and totally healing. Her abuser was held accountable and both have recovered- through treatment and through the healing power of the atonement. They can also have a relationship after the abuse because of Christ.

It is through Christ that I was able to forgive and love my dad. He was abusive when I was growing up. I didn't know if I was going to get hit, hugged, or yelled at when he came home. He suffered from bi-polar. We didn't know much about it back then and it wasn't talked about. He certainly wouldn't have been able to admit that there was something wrong and beyond his control. But through the atonement we have moved beyond the past and when he passed away we had a good relationship.

There are not words to describe how deep my feelings of gratitude are for the difficult and marvelous task undertaken by Christ. I only hope to be able to share with him my gratitude and love for his work on my behalf.

I hope that as we all celebrate Easter that we take time to enjoy those we are with and to forgive a little easier, love a lot more, share more of ourselves, and remember what we are all about.

Happy Easter everyone.