I’ve arrived home at the end of a good weekend… that kind that’s exhausting, inspiring, and energizing, all in one.

It’s this kind of weekend that fills your heart and mind with joy & inspiration to the very brim… and spills a little bit over to start your week off well.

Exhausting, because – people. Lots of people. But energizing at the same time, for the same reason!

I thrive on human connections, and when I’m able to interact with total strangers and have good conversations, I’m energized by that.

So a Bible conference with a crowd of people from God’s family that included many people I’d never met – totally fascinating to someone who enjoys the challenge of finding connection with people beyond those I’ve already met.

(We all have a human heart with human emotions, so no matter how different our lives may be, we should all be able to relate to each other!)

The weekend was filled with well planned topics, teaching about the Easter story, the details of it and their deeper significance, as well as practical applications to Christian living in the world today.

Yes, it was tiring for my hand that takes notes, but that means it definitely inspiring!

Yesterday, singing with my youth group and sharing our Easter joy with those who are struggling along in their life circumstances… somehow stirred warm gratitude in my heart and a deeper appreciation for the gift of living a redeemed life in Jesus.

This morning, Easter Sunday carried a special joy as we all sang together in praise of our Risen Saviour.

After church, I took a beautifully long nap… even extroverts eventually need a break from people, at least, I certainly do!

Driving back to church for the final service this evening, I soaked in the beauty of the sky. Gentle, subtle tones, yet a blazing sun.

Like the gentle calling of Jesus to come, to participate in the joy of His brilliant Victory.

After the service, someone suggested we youth should sing. We gathered at the front of the church and sang “Living Hope” before a few more random selections.

Just a few days ago, I directed our school mass choir through that song at our Easter program.

Tonight, I got to experience singing it, instead of just listening…

And I was fully aware of the gift to be standing there with this group of people, who I can call my youth group, and know that I’m a part of them… that I belong.

My joy swelled with the notes of the chorus, “Hallelujah! Praise the One Who set me free!”

Free – to live and thrive and serve in the place He has made for me…

Free – from all the brokenness of this world, free to look ahead to the joy that’s waiting.

Free – to live in the joy that only life in Jesus can bring!