We headed north for vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was counterintuitive as a spring break destination. We traded sandy beaches for rocky shores, ocean waves for the swells of Lake Superior, swimsuits for winter boots, and warm days for windblown snow.
Visiting family and a comfortable place to stay for free were the allure. However, we discovered so much more: the beauty of winter. The pristine snow sharpened the sky’s blue and the pine trees’ green. The cold breeze coming off the lake created intricate designs along the shore. White and gray displayed their own palettes of color. If the cold didn’t take my breath away, God’s handiwork in the winter season did!
At first glance, much in the Bible seems counterintuitive to the world’s way of thinking. “Bless those who curse you.” “Love your enemies.” “Lose your life to find your life.” Only sacrifice atones for sin. Death leads to life. These challenges to our human perspective are given clarity at the cross of Jesus Christ.
As the only perfect sacrifice, Jesus died for God’s enemies to demonstrate God’s love. In the ugliness and starkness of the cross, God wrought the everlasting beauty and glory of eternal life through Easter’s resurrection. The cross was the means and the price to provide for our salvation and the forgiveness of sins. The Easter story is our story!
May we approach and celebrate every day by thanking God who shows up with beauty in the least expected places.
(See more pictures of winter beauty in my post, Part 2: Beauty In The Least Expected Places.)
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Snowdrops for faith 
Such a good reminder on Good Friday of the beauty of the cross, which does sound so counterintuitive until you dwell on the meaning. I never really thought about how in Michigan, it is still winter, still being in the Midwest and all. Welcome back to more spring-like weather. Glad you enjoyed the scenery. It is beautiful.
LikeLike
I always thought it was odd to call the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, “Good Friday.” It is in anticipation of Sunday and the good done for us by Jesus’ work on the cross! (I brought daffodils from our house to tease family about what spring looks like! :))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Focus Debbie, Thank you for sharing why we have Joy on Good Friday when it was a Day of suffering for Jesus… As they say it’s Friday but Sunday is coming.
“Christ”ian Love Always – Annie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We praise God that the cross and even the resurrection on Easter is not the end of the story. It is simply the beginning of new life in Christ that extends into eternity! 1 Corinthians 15:19-20, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Easter story is our story.” So true!
LikeLike
The crux of our faith becomes the story that we live out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
God does, indeed, show up in the most unexpected places at times. Many blessings, Debbie.
LikeLike
Kathy, thanks for stopping by and commenting. The beauty of nature is one of the best places to see God!
LikeLike