I was eight years old. In my Easter basket was a novelty toy–a rubber elephant head pin. It connected to a tube with a bulb at the end. When you squeezed the bulb, the elephant’s trunk unfurled. That Easter Sunday my father attached the pin to my sports jacket, concealed the tubing and put the bulb in my pocket. As soon as I got to Sunday School, I demonstrated the toy. Everyone was delighted, except for Mrs. Sherman my Sunday School teacher. She instructed me sternly, “We must keep this very still in Sunday School.” I remember her exact words and tone of voice, but nothing else about that Easter–not the lesson nor the worship service. 

How easy it is to be distracted even at important moments. We have difficulty focusing on what is important. Mary Magdalene found the tomb of Jesus open empty. After fetching two disciples she remained at the tomb weeping. The risen Jesus spoke to here, but she didn’t recognize him. She thinks he is the gardener. This has puzzled reader for centuries. Why doesn’t she recognize him? I think it’s because her mind is focused on a dead body. But that is a distraction.

I’m probably the worst example of one who concentrates on what is important, but I encourage you to concentrate in the Easter season on what is important–Jesus is risen from the dead. Sin, death, and the devil have lost. Human life can never be the same.

Focus on Jesus. Don’t let yourself be distracted by trivialities. Christ is truly risen! Alleluia.

Read 1 Peter 1:3 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne