We all have our magic places and getaway friends. These are the near and dear places in our hearts. We simply have to close our eyes and we are there. We sit down over a drink and before we know it the sun has set and time has slipped easily through the hour glass.  Mary and Jesus probably had those moments. Places where they would go that they could talk for hours seem like a high possibility in their relationship. I have those places and those types of people in my life. Do you?

When Mary, so profoundly bent over with the weight of her grief, lifts her eyes at the sound of her name by her Beloved Friend, she must have wanted to throw her arms around Jesus and hug him tightly. Instead he cautions her: Do not hold on to me. His words seem so contradictory to what we want to do. We want to cling! In these weeks of walking with the Risen Christ we must learn to become detached to our needs and keep our eyes focused on what is being asked of us. We must walk the remainder of this Easter season with open hands and hearts, ready to say not only I have seen the Lord, but I have heard him too and I long to do His will.

Peace,

Suzanne