It doesn’t feel like the middle of June.  There’s a slight drizzle outside my Colorado home and I’m nestled inside with a hot cup of chai.  I even had to flip my thermostat from a.c. to heat today.  I’m ready to snuggle in with a good book and hibernate.  I love these kind of days, but I just don’t expect them this time of year.

The same is true of the content of Luke 23.  The Easter season allows me to slow down and reflect on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for me.  I’m overcome with emotion in March and April at the thought of a perfect, sinless man dying to cleanse me of my filth.  And yet the overwhelming awe of Christ’s crucifixion tends to melt away with the last batch of snow.  By the hot, sunny months, I’m back to barging into the gates of heaven with my prayer requests before stopping to humbly and gratefully say thanks.

This sudden, temporary change of seasons beckons me to recall the most amazing gift offered to mankind.

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:33,34

Jesus, thank you so very much for loving me enough to forfeit the wonders of heaven to walk on this earth, knowing we would reject and crucify you.  I’m amazed that even in your most agonizing moment you forgave.  Teach me to do the same and please help me daily remember the pain you suffered on my behalf.  Amen.