Guest Post by Dena Yohe: Easter Can Be Hard

Each holiday can be hard for parents of prodigals in its own unique way. Our minds wander over the past. Memories from when our children were young and innocent flood our thoughts. 

You can still see your adorable little girl in her Easter outfit with brand new shoes and ruffled socks. Her impish grin could melt your heart.
Your precious little boy was so cute at four; his sweetness could make you smile any day. 

What fun you had surprising your little ones with Easter baskets full of treats. You treasure all those good times: Easter egg hunts, church events, etc. Whatever your family traditions may have been, you remember them.
Now you remember with sadness. 

Most of us were blessed with some good years—how could we forget? But that was a long time ago…today our treasured memories are bitter reminders of what we’ve lost. They bring us increased pain because things with our children aren’t happy anymore.

Some of us wonder if our child will ever like us again or want to spend time with us, or worse yet, we wonder if they’ll survive. We’d be content just to hear from them to know they’re alright. 

In my experience, holidays are bittersweet because of how the sweetness of the past mingles alongside the bitterness of the present.

Hopelessness and weariness are heavy burdens to bear.

Dear friends, this Easter season, please hold on to hope. You don’t know what tomorrow will bring. You can’t see what God is doing at this very moment. His work is hidden from your eyes. Your challenge is to keep trusting in the dark, while you wait.  

Trust the God of compassion who comforts those who look to Him through Jesus, the perfect Lamb who died for all. He will lift up your head, make His face shine upon you and give you His peace.

Be encouraged with the knowledge that Jesus suffered alone on the cross so you don’t have to suffer alone. You suffer together.

The chorus of an old Easter hymn (At the Cross) summarizes my hope for you and your child this holiday season:

“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,

 And the burden of my heart rolled away,

 It was there by faith I received my sight,

 And now I am happy all the day.”
 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we pray that this Easter our prodigal loved ones will finally see the light of the gospel in the cross of Christ so the burden of their hearts will roll away. We would be so happy. In the glory of the cross, may they find their own personal faith that indeed you are the Son of God! 
Bless them with spiritual eyesight to personally, powerfully, and undeniably know the joy of the Resurrection, now and forever!!! This is the hope of our hearts! Fix our eyes on the cross where our true joy comes from. In the name of our Savior Jesus. Amen.