“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.’” Matthew 28:1-7

Dear Jesus, Those women weren’t supposed to be there at the tomb. You had told them that you wouldn’t be there to be found. But even though they loved you deeply, they still couldn’t embrace the unthinkable, that you would rise from the dead. At any moment in the story you and your angels could have given up on them. They were slow to believe your words although not one syllable from your lips ever failed to come true. I understand them because I doubt your word too when I don’t get to use my reason or my senses. I find great comfort in the fact that the angel said, “Come and See the place where he lay.” It tells me you are patient with my doubting heart too. I cling to your resurrection and the grace that makes you coach me into believing the facts. I get what they got, both the experience of seeing you alive after your death and the grace to process it as my greatest treasure too. Thanks for loving me so patiently. Amen.

God’s love waits for our hearts to catch up to his great blessings.