Lawrence Journal-World editorials

We’ve reached a point in the calendar where it is appropriate to pause and take stock. There’s much to consider in the world today.

A European war that already is brutal and threatens to bring nuclear powers into armed conflict. A virus that has been pushed backward but that is far from defeated and that continues to mutate. Prices for everything from food to fuel to housing that are rising at their fastest rates since the economically painful days of the 1980s.

In other words, difficulties never fail to arise.

But remember this too: Easter never fails to arrive. And so it has again.

Easter, of course, is a tremendously important holiday for Christians. If you are of that faith, celebrate in all of its glory.

But, regardless of your religious beliefs, Easter can be a wonderful time of year. There is the changing of the seasons, and often of spirits, as the weather warms and people begin to spend more time outside. That alone is reason to celebrate.

The holiday, though, seemingly has the ability to create a different mindset than so many of our other celebrations. As far as holidays go, it is one of America’s least commercial. Yes, somehow bunnies and eggs made their way into the Easter story and into your wallet, but compared with Christmas — or even Halloween or Valentine’s Day — Easter is far removed from America’s commercial corridor.

That’s refreshing. It makes it easier to contemplate, which is surely one of the most important reasons we should celebrate Easter. Everybody’s situation in life is different — and thus what we each have to contemplate will be as well. But here is hoping that your life is at a point where you can contemplate the value of hope.

As noted above, there is no shortage of difficulties that easily can temper a person’s hopes. Yet, it also seems entirely reasonable for us to hope for many things that not long ago were more difficult to picture. Graduation ceremonies this spring should be full of families and friends who can gather freely. People who need and want a job should stand an excellent chance of receiving one. Russian brutality is likely to bring the Western world closer together and highlight the value of democracy and freedom.

Plus, as a bonus, chances are great that dinner today will include a plate of deviled eggs. (Who can object to that egg tradition this holiday?)

And there are many more reasons to be hopeful. The key is being open to seeing them. That is where the Easter holiday can be helpful. Take a moment to contemplate the value of hope in our lives, and the view of the entire world can change.

Hope alone won’t end a war, defeat a virus or make our lives more affordable. But hope also is no fool’s errand. As you celebrate today, consider this: There is very little risk in making the choice to have hope. The pain most often comes when you choose to abandon hope.

Here’s hoping that you can avoid that choice for as long as humanly possible.

Happy Easter.