It’s early Saturday morning and there’s a fog clinging to the lake. Much needed moisture is suspended in the air. I pray every thirsty thing is able to drink it up.

As I ponder the state of dry ground I catch myself asking “Is my soul dry as well?” It’s Easter. I’ll say it again, EASTER. How can I possibly feel nonchalant about today, the Saturday sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

I’ll tell you how. Busy. Too busy. Beautiful busy…crazy busy…with kids, spouse, church, community. But beautiful and crazy can turn ugly and manic on a dime, especially when I lose sight of what’s important. Today my soul tells me it’s important to stop and remember.

My remembering has taken me to a place that’s uncomfortable. I can’t help but wonder, what was Jesus doing on this day so many years ago?

I never think to ask that question on Good Friday. The cross, of course.

Sunday is also a no-brainer. A joy-filled remembrance of the resurrection!

But what of Saturday?

The faith I grew up with adhered to regular repetition of the Nicene Creed. It included the phrase,

“…he descended into hell.”

Turns out there’s a fair amount of dialogue regarding the exact meaning of that. My musings won’t definitively answer the question,

What happened to Jesus between his death and resurrection?

The truth is I’m not sure I need to know.

Perhaps, it’s similar to when you look back on a road trip and no one bothers to ask for the mileage log. It doesn’t matter how you got to your destination.

All that really matters is arriving at the destination.

I don’t know what Jesus was doing today.

But I believe that although His earthly journey started in a tiny desert town called Bethlehem the real road trip began well before the dawn of earth’s time. I also believe what He’s told us about the journey’s end. If we accept that He died for our sins and that He rose again you and I will have eternal life in heaven.

What’s hard to believe is that He thinks we were worth the trip…dare I say, to hell and back.

I’m no longer uncomfortable friends——–just remarkably grateful.