Twenty-four years ago, my April 3rd birthday fell on Easter Sunday. Two days earlier, my son was born on a Good Friday. I felt amazed that God would give me such a beautiful baby boy on the same, sacred day his son had given his life for mine. Sure, there were plenty more babies born that Good Friday. As a matter of fact, I have a friend whose daughter arrived the same day, in the same hospital. However, on this Easter weekend, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by God’s love for me. This was the beginning of my awakening as a Christian.
Childbirth is a miracle-no doubt about it. It puzzles me that anyone could experience it and not be in awe of God’s deity and acknowledge him as the Creator of life. I have thanked God every day for the blessing of my son’s life since the day I brought my new baby home. It was 75 degrees and sunny that Easter Sunday. It was truly my best birthday. My son, now 24, rolls his eyes at the thought. (No pressure there.)
The beginning of each April is always busy, planning and celebrating the two birthdays. And when Easter falls on, around or in-between, it’s kind of crazy. It’s so easy to get distracted by events when, honestly, I only want to focus on the greatest gift God gave me his life for mine. I want to absorb what his sacrifice truly means for me. To comprehend the physical and mental cruelty he endured. The betrayal, the agony he felt. To understand how anyone could have cried out for the release of Barabbas over my Christ. Would have I? I would certainly like to think not.
This year my son’s April 1st birthday fell on Easter Sunday. 
Now, a Duke graduate, his wish was to return to Durham, North Carolina, and celebrate with friends. The campus was more lovely than I remembered. This Easter Sunday, I finally got to experience worship in the exquisite Duke Chapel. The majesty of the chapel with its ornate woodwork and gorgeous stained-glass windows added to the Easter experience. The sounds of the choir echoed beautifully off the limestone. This celebration of Christ’s life and resurrection was heavenly. It reminded me of the infamous Mercy Me song. And I wondered, what will worship be like in heaven? I Can Only Imagine. What will it by like to thank him face-to-face? My life is a gift; given simply because he loves me. Until the day we meet, I intend to live my life as if Jesus were the one and only reason I have mine. What more could I offer him in return?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.