A HAPPY ENDING

Jimmy was a sick little seven year-old. Despite the best care and medicine, his health was not improving. His mother and father tried hard each day to bring him a little joy. They taught him about Jesus and the Bible and how Jesus went through struggles and great sadness during Lent. Then one Sunday his mother said, "Lent will soon be over, Jimmy. The sadness of Lent will soon come to a happy ending with the joy of Easter. And to celebrate, you're getting a puppy!"

Jimmy was so excited! He could hardly sleep the night before they went to the pet shop. The next day he was all smiles as he looked and looked at the puppies in the pet shop window. "Have you decided which one you want?" asked his Daddy several times. Finally Jimmy said, "Yes!" and pointed to one near the glass that was enthusiastically wagging its tail. "I want that brown one with the happy ending. I"m going to call him EASTER!" "Happy ending? Easter?" his Dad puzzled. Jimmy explained, "Mom said Easter is a happy ending, and that puppy's back end looks happiest of them all!"

I am sure that was an unforgettable Holy Week for Jimmy and his parents - a first puppy is always a wonderful time. But not everyone will be happy this Holy Week and Easter. There will be plenty of tears over sorrow, disappointment, poverty, war and tragedy. People, whether faithful Christians or not, will experience sadness, stress and struggles as Easter approaches. We all look forward to Lent's happy ending with Easter Day.

We need to remember that Easter is a happy ending to the sadness of sin. On the cross Christ has forgiven us. His glorious resurrection can turn our tears of sadness into tears of joy. Tears on Easter? Yes, tears of a happy ending to all the suffering, pain and death in the world.

Those who have known great sadness can best say HAPPY EASTER and mean it!