Easter with its message of hope and renewal could not arrive soon enough for the vast majority of citizens who are sick and tired of bad news:

A killer earthquake in Italy, so many mass murders we can’t recall them all the next day, banks and car companies teetering on bankruptcy, unemployment soaring, the national debt beyond comprehension, services going down, taxes going up, and the Mariners’ bullpen blows up in the ninth inning of the second game of the season, an ill omen indeed for the remainder of the year.

So many bad things are happening that a feeling of negativity pervades the population. We forget that over 90 percent of us still have jobs, that we never really had all that imaginary money that disappeared from our investment accounts, that we’re lucky to be relatively healthy, have food on the table, a roof over our heads and a supportive community for those in need.

To dust of Jimmy Carter’s words, a malaise pervades the country and the entire globe. We’re waiting for the next bad thing to happen, hoarding our resources, afraid to take a risk or to just have a good time.

The good thing about Easter is that it symbolizes a new beginning and hope for the future. Even those who are not Christian can appreciate the symbology. What was dead comes back to life in a more glorious form, and provides hope for generations to come. History has shown that dark days always come to an end, no matter how hopeless the situation looks to those present.

So tomorrow is Easter. The sun probably won’t shine on Whidbey Island, but you can enjoy the mood change nevertheless. People will be dressed up in the Sunday best, going to church, dining with family, hunting eggs and enjoying what we have. For one day, we should not turn on the TV and learn about all the bad stuff that’s happening. Just relax, give thanks, and look forward to a brighter future.