Two Old Crows

Finding the Good in Friday
By Wanda Anderson Pearson

At one time, not so long ago, people looked forward to Friday. People who worked outside of their homes counted the days to the weekend. Friday was their hope. Friday was THE day when they knew they would make it. Why? Because immediately following Friday came Saturday and Sunday; days off and a time of rest and restoration. When I was a teacher, I would always breathe a sigh of relief when Friday came. No matter how difficult the week had been, once I made it to this last work day of the week, I knew everything was going to get better; at least for the next two days.

Today, Christians around the world are celebrating Good Friday. Good Friday marks the day that our Lord and Savior, Jesus, was crucified. The day He was sentenced to die. The day He was mocked, beaten, and then hung on the cross to suffer a death only the worst criminals faced. The day He gave up His life for us. For Jesus, Good Friday was painful. He knew what He was going to face before it happened. He knew the agony that was going to be involved in His last day. But in order to fulfill the scriptures, and in order to give us new life, He suffered through this day because of His great love for each of us. He was the magnificent example of John 15:13-17. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Today, in the calamity of the pandemic, I am certain many of us feel that our Good Friday is, at the very least, not so good. We are away from our church, our friends, and our family; we are isolated. Many have lost loved ones, and the news reports that many more deaths are sure to occur in the coming weeks. Some small business owners have lost their livelihood. Others are dipping into their retirement funds, fearing for their future well-being. Those who placed their money in the stock market are on a roller coaster ride that seems to be unending. People have lost their jobs. Our doctors, nurses, police and emergency personnel are working overtime, and are risking their very existence to make sure we, the people, are taken care of. In doing that, they put their own families at risk of catching this disease. And to top it off, I awoke to find our area is predicted to have a rash of tornadoes on Easter Sunday. So, I ask you. What could possibly be good about this ‘Good Friday’?

Well, here’s something good about ‘Good Friday’. If you are reading this, YOU. ARE. ALIVE! Did you read that and let it sink in? Let me repeat: YOU. ARE. ALIVE! My friends, it just doesn’t get any better than that. I used to tell my students that I gauge my day by four things. If I could walk, talk, feed myself, and go to the bathroom without aid, it was a great day! I meant it then, and the older I get, I mean it even more. I know so many who cannot do at least one or more of these simple things. Yet, I am able. And I am able ONLY because HE enables me. I give thanks and praise to God for being able to do these things. Yes, today is a GOOD Friday!
How is the climate in your area today? In Tupelo, the sun is shining brilliantly! A brisk, cool wind is blowing making the leaves literally dance on the trees. It is a sight to behold! The grass is a vibrant shade of Easter green, and tiny flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes have sprung up to herald the beginning of a new season. Today I do not have to concern myself with tornadic activity and torrential rains. Today, I am allowed to watch a splendid springtime show as the wind blows and gives fresh and lively life to the trees and landscape. Today I do not have to worry about watering the lawn due to a drought. I give thanks and praise God for these things. Yes, today is a GOOD Friday!

During this quarantine, have you been able to correspond with those you love? I surely have! I call my sweet mama at least three times daily. I am able to text my entire family. I can pick up the phone and call them. Thanks to modern technology, I can see their beautiful faces on Zoom and Facetime. I can mail them card. I can send them an e-mail. My sister is always so faithful to send out holiday cards and letters. Yesterday, I received an Easter greeting from her. I always get so excited when one arrives! They are always filled with inspiration and love; she puts so much care, and her whole heart, into the writing of these ‘love notes’, and she could not possibly know how very much these gifts mean to the recipients. Tucked inside of this beautiful card was a small, typed card which read:

Blessings at Easter, 2020.
Although this may be a most unusual Easter, I am praying that you have peace, safety, and His joy. May each day of this most Holy season bring you love, patience, and fortitude as we celebrate in our hearts the love our Savior gives to us moment by moment.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 15:5-6

Today I can communicate with my loved ones. And though this is a period of much darkness, hearing from my family becomes a time of light for me. Today I look forward to Facetiming my mother and seeing her smiling face. Today I will make phone calls and hear the sweetest voices. Today I will say, “I love you”. Today I will sit at my table and pen a ‘love note’ to someone. Today I will not be isolated from those I love; we will be together. I give thanks and praise to God for time with my precious ones. Yes. Today is a GOOD Friday!

But, what about THAT Friday; the Friday they nailed our Christ onto the cross? Reading again the scriptures written about that day, my heart saddens for Jesus, and I can hardly bear to think of all of the physical pain He went through. It brings tears to my eyes as I think of all of the people, those He loved and longed to be a part of His kingdom, who scoffed Him, who rebuked Him, and were overjoyed to see Him nailed to that cross. My mind tells me that no, this was not a Good Friday for Jesus in many ways. It was dark. It was filled with agony. It was heart-breaking. And He knew in advance how THIS day would turn out. He knew what this day would entail, and yet…He sacrificed Himself so that we, the sinners, would be free and forgiven and spend eternity in His presence.

But as I think back on the events of that ‘Dark’ Friday, there is one thought I choose to dwell on. You see? No matter how difficult it was for Jesus to go through that day, no matter how much He suffered, no matter what was happening on Calvary’s hill, through it all, He knew how it would turn out. He knew without any doubt, that at the day’s end, He would be with His loving, most glorious Father. He knew that by taking the punishment for us, we would have the privilege and honor of someday being wrapped in His loving arms for all eternity and we would be able to bask in the warm presence of God. That, my friends, is a reason for us to rejoice on this day and every day. Today I am grateful that I know God and believe in His promises. Today I will thank and praise Him for His many blessings and gifts, and for the grace and favor He has bestowed upon my loved ones and on me. Today I remember what Good Friday is truly about. Today I rejoice that though Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, HE ROSE AGAIN! Today I praise Him and give thanks that He is COMING AGAIN! YES! Today is definitely a GOOD FRIDAY!

Wishing you all peace, love, and blessings in this and every season. Love y’all!
Be safe.
Wash you hands and wear your masks.
Have faith!
REJOICE!