Empty Easter Eggs

I opened my eyes this morning to a bunch of little faces right next to mine, eager for an Easter egg hunt to begin! I watched as my children ran from room to room. Our house rang with random shouts of, "I found one!" After each egg, they couldn't help but to see the treasure left inside before rushing off to search for the next egg. At the end of the hunt, they gathered up all the eggs that the Easter bunny had given them and emptied the contents with much excitement. Empty eggs piled up on the table and were left behind as they went to enjoy all they had received. 

Seeing the pile, I couldn't help but reflect on what Easter means to me. I am on my own sort of journey in finding all that Heavenly Father has in store for me. As I "search" the scriptures and words of the prophet, I am blessed. As I "seek" to do the Lord's will, I receive tender mercies and experience miracles in ways that carry me and motivate me to keep going. In life however, when the journey ends, it is because of something "empty" that it really only begins. There was something left empty long ago, and that is where the greatest gift is found. 

Three days after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He rose and there was left an "empty" tomb. If we continue on our journey and keep the commandments, the significance of the empty tomb makes it possible for us to receive eternal life "which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7) Because of an empty tomb, death is not the end. Because of an empty tomb, I will get to be with my family forever. And because of an empty tomb, I will get to know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent." (John 17:13) There could be nothing greater and nothing I desire more!

Jesus Christ truly suffered and died for me and for all of us. He has carried my sorrows, He has made it possible for me to have hope. Without Him, I fall so very short. I know that He lives! I know that He knows me and He knows each of us. I am so grateful for all of the blessings that he continues to pour upon my family. Most of all, I am grateful for an "empty" tomb and what that means for me, my family, and each one of us as children of a loving Heavenly Father.