When Easter Season Feels Like Too Much to Say Yes

There is a lot going on this week. School events, art shows, and family plans. Our Sunday is full too. There is a sunrise gathering, breakfast, church, and time with Jeff’s parents. These holiday weeks can feel like a lot for families. We are trying to live a quieter life, learning when to say no, and we can admit that this kind of week can feel like too much. It’s okay to slow down. In fact, a quieter way is better. However, sometimes the things we want to say no to aren’t the things we should say no to. Even in busy seasons, some things are still worth saying yes to.

Saying Yes to Hard Things

One of those things that can be hard to say “yes” to? A sunrise gathering. It is super early. I mean super early. Waking up while it’s still dark is not easy. I am a pastor’s wife, so I will be getting to church a little after 5 am. I will be getting up at 4 am. I’ll be tired. At first, the kids will be brought in to set up and the gathering, but somewhere as the day goes on, I will begin to lose the battle, and the kids will be all over the place. It won’t be perfect. But these celebrations matter. I believe that these moments help our kids see faith lived out. They are with people of all ages, not just their own group. They see something real. Even when it’s hard, it is a shaping experience.

You can read about how the Sunrise Service became an Easter Tradition on the History Channel.

Remembering What Is True

Celebrating Resurrection Sunday in the Easter Season reminds us that Jesus is alive in a really real way. We are gathering in the dark and remembering the hope that breaks into our dark horizons. My husband, Jeff McLain, blogs about this over on his blog: Sunrise Gatherings: A Practice that Reminds. Sunrise gatherings are a prophetic way to remind us of what is true. That mourning turns into joy. Psalm 30:11 says God turns our mourning into dancing. That’s what this day is about. It’s easy to treat it like just something extra, but it’s not. Doing something different helps us remember that.

Why It Stays With Us

These kinds of moments also stick with us in a unique way. They break up the normal routine. They feel different, and that’s the point. They help our kids—and us—remember. Even if your church doesn’t do a sunrise gathering, find a way to mark this day in a meaningful way.

Gathering With Us at River Corner Church

We’d love for you to join us at River Corner Church at 6:45 am for our sunrise gathering. I’ll be helping lead worship. As a simple community of Jesus followers, a small church, rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, we will spend time in the scriptures, prayer, and then share a breakfast afterward. Our church will then meet again at 10:00 AM for our regular Resurrection Sunday gathering. You will find River Corner Church at 524 River Corner Road in Conestoga, PA.

You can find more out at rivercornerchurch.com.

I’m Katie McLain—a West Coast original now slinging hoagies on the East Coast. I’m learning to live more simply, to slow down, to build simple family rhythms, and to practice faith in everyday life. Take a minute to learn more about me. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.