IF you were lucky enough to have a break or a holiday over Easter, it is probably now a fading memory.

But, for Christians, Easter itself is meant to be something we remember every day.

Easter Day is the special day in the year when Christians remember that Jesus rose from the dead. It is a day of rejoicing and gladness because the Jesus who was dead is now alive. But this joy is not meant just for Easter Day. It is meant to last beyond our holidays. It is meant to last the whole year round.

But I find that making this joy part of myself is not an easy thing to do. By nature I am a pessimistic person. I always imagine that the glass is half empty, not half full. For those who are bright and optimistic, it is easier to remember the joy of Easter all year round. But, for me, it is difficult. I find it easier to look on the tragic side of life than the optimistic side.

Important

For pessimists like me, finding the source of joy in life is an important daily task. I have to remind myself that Christ is risen from the grave and then try to live my life that day in the light of it.

One of the privileges of being a minister is that I have a duty to say my prayers every day. Sometimes I do this in church, sometimes I do this at home. But, wherever I pray, I am reminded that Christ has risen, that death has been defeated, and that I am called to live a life of joy.

Prayer for me is like digging for gold. It might take a long time to dig down deep enough to find the real thing but, if we persevere, the deeper we dig, the closer to joy we get.

At the heart of the universe, there is joy. What we need is the patience to dig deep enough to find it.

Michael Williams

Vicar of Bolton Parish Church