I'm way too tired.

Some Illness in the family has kept me running lately - and still unable to keep up.

I got up this morning concerned, tired - and looking for my cleanest dirty shirt. (I haven't had time to do my laundry.)

And I need to find time to write those bill payments before they get any later then they are.

Those people at American Express may not care if I'm tired.

Obviously, I don't "have it all together" right now.

You know how it is. Life can move faster than we can. Things get out of hand. There is only so much time and energy - and suddenly both are gone.

Know what I mean?

You've been there, haven't you?

I am thankful that I know the real truth about life. On days like this, I make sure I start things off with the right question: "What difference does it make today that the Lord is risen?" Answer: "It makes all the difference in the world."

Nothing changes this divine reality. Whatever life may look like and feel like right now, the Lord has won the battle and I am in on the victory. I need to make sure I am living in the real world, not the world of my imagination or the world of my frustrations.

In the real world God's love for us is the ultimate reality.

We are loved, and all the people we are concerned about right now are loved and safe in God's grace.

We can "keep on keeping on, doing the best we can, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord will uphold us in all that we do.

And yes - I am saying all of this for your sake, as well as mine, for all of us have times that challenge us, and this may be such a time for you.

We need to know, as Paul said, "If God is for us - who can be against us?"

"He makes me dwell in safety."

So - yes - I am tired as I write this. But the Lord is risen, and has included me in his glory - and you, too. We live in his grace.

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Excuse me now. I need to do that laundry. I've never been known as a snappy dresser, but I do want to keep my reputation as a clean one.

Be in church this Sunday. Worship helps us live the reality of God's unfailing love.