Wednesday, April 5, 2023
HAPPY EASTER!
4/5/23
Hello, Everyone!
See my Easter letter below, but first:
HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY to my newest granddaughter,
Amelia Francis Bell! Have a Good One, Dear One!
3/29/23
HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!
Easter means a lot to lots of different minds, but what it means to me is following the story of Jesus, as he rose from the dead, so to speak, we will all do the same – in our own time & manner. What does that mean in all practicality? As Jesus continued another life after he died in this one, as a man of peace, so will I live into another life as a man of peace – or person of peace – if, in fact, previously, I lived and died a man of peace.
In brief, that is the story of Easter for me at this time in my life at the ripe old age of 81, however earlier in life, I will admit that was not the story of Easter for me. Earlier, I was taught – and believed – that the death and resurrection of Jesus meant that I was cleaned of all sin to be able to enter what I was taught is Heaven. I was taught – and believed – that all are born in sin and that the only way we can get rid of that sin is for someone really close to God to sacrifice himself and die as a sacrifice to God to open the door to Heaven. So one like Jesus had to die for me to become close to God and get into that lovely place called Heaven.
But I have not believed that since my early 20s or so. Why? Because it does not make sense. Why in the world should someone have to die for me for me to live in peace, die in peace, and get to Heaven? In a way, however, I do believe that Jesus did die for me in that he was crucified in peace while not returning cruelty for cruelty. In life, he taught that a true man of peace stays peaceful, regardless of circumstance. If a true man of peace is struck on the left side, he offers his right side to be struck and does not return strike for strike. That is at least one huge lesson that I get from the tale of Jesus.
So, Thank you, Jesus! I can’t say I will follow your lead if another strikes at me, but I can say it is my intent. Maybe we will meet someday in that place called Heaven, but my guess is that is not what you really taught. I do believe now that it only makes sense to act like I am in Heaven now – and count on just continuing that mind frame wherever I go in a next life. I do believe that is the essence of your teaching. Be at peace now and act in peace now, regardless of surrounding conflicts if they do abound, and peace will follow. It is really a simple thought, don’t you agree?
Let me conclude this “Easter Letter” with a song I wrote awhile back about how I see life now – as an Eternal Child of God. If Jesus and I do meet someday, it will probably be at my door, not in some fantastic land beyond the blue. Right, Jesus? Later, My Friend! Come on in any time you like!
CHILD OF THE LIGHT
A Song or Poem
By
Francis William Bessler
Atlanta, Georgia
5/2001
Oh, Child of The Light, play as you will.
You have but to live to find your fill.
You can’t understand from whence you came
Just embrace it all joyfully as if it’s a game.
For a game life is, or should be for all.
Oh, Child of The Light, have yourself a ball.
Look at the earth and the sun and the moon
and know that they are all in tune.
The wonder of all of God’s great creation
should fill your mind with jubilation.
Oh, Child of The Light, you fit in well
and you ring as you should as one of the bells.
So, don’t fret and worry and live in fear.
As God is your source, It’s also your care.
Be not afraid as you go forward in time.
Oh, Child of The Light, you’ve a life that’s Divine.