Jesus sent His disciples to get ready for Passover and everything was just as He said it would be. A local homeowner in Jerusalem had an upper room that Jesus and the disciples used for the Lord’s Last Supper. All was ready for them.

Our daughter just called on Sunday to let us know that she was planning to come this week to spend Easter with us. She is bringing the two youngest girls (14 and 11) and her oldest daughter is the one who has been living with us since September. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. They came down for Christmas, too. Hope is very intuitive and knows that travel is hard for me now and that I miss seeing the grandchildren. She called when I was feeling particularly low because our youngest son’s birthday as well as his daughter’s birthday is next week. We usually make the trip to Maryland to see them in April, but this month is filled with medical appointments and tests instead. So when Hope called to say she is coming, I was thrilled!

Then, I looked around at the house. I haven’t been able to clean properly (or really much at all) because of my shoulder. The dust everywhere is the first clue. Harry helps when he can but cleaning is not his thing to do since he doesn’t even see the dust, much less think it needs to be removed. Anyway, I started stressing about getting ready and how I would do it with an arm that doesn’t cooperate and a back that is in constant pain along with my leg that is numb most of the time, making me a fall risk.

Then, I read today’s devotional that included this verse. The disciples didn’t run around frantically preparing. They simply followed what the Lord told them to do and all was ready for them. Thus, I am resting in the Lord, knowing that the house will not be clean but we will be welcoming and loving. The groceries are ordered and Harry will pick them up today. Then, there will be plenty of helpers on Sunday to make the Easter meal before I have to head to the hospital for my MRI. Prepared? Yes, in my heart, I am prepared to welcome family and to serve the Lord with gladness on this Resurrection Day. Jesus wants my heart prepared for Him and for me not to suffer regrets because of what I physically cannot do. I know in my heart that He wants me to have peace and to enjoy time with the children and grandchildren, so that is what I am focused on today. Dirty house? Yes, but a clean and expectant heart! Our daughter is on the way and will be here by noon. I am looking forward to the visit and the rest that comes in knowing that God knows just what I need and just when I need it. A touch and reassurance from Him and a hug from family!

May your Easter preparations start in your heart and reach deeply into your soul. My prayer for you is peace and the assurance that God will give you rest.