Thoughts on Springtime

Ask the Lord rain, in the time of the latter rain.  The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone.  –Zechariah 10:1

Last week I spent a wonderful time visiting with my elderly parents in Ohio.  400 miles between us causes me to cherish and make the most of those visits as possible.  Those of you reading this who have faced similar situations with aging parents know what I am talking about.  I could write about taking time to appreciate parents because they will not be around forever, but I will save that for another post.  Indeed. I was saddened to leave them, but grateful for our time together.  Each visit grows more special with the passing years.

When I returned home yesterday to Virginia, I was greeted by not only my wife and our dogs, but also green grass.  When I left a week earlier, the grass was brown and winter looking.  But upon my return, the grass had exploded in color and growth.  I also noticed various buds beginning to burst from plants, trees, and bushes around the house.  I am also excited to see the family of hawks has returned to the neighborhood.  These are a kind of chicken hawk, beautiful, large predatory birds that sore through the neighborhood with wing spans that rival eagles.  Is anyone else as excited as me about springtime’s return?  I certainly hope so.

Springtime reminds me that God preserved us through a dark, cold, and difficult winter.  Wintertime for me is symbolic of the personal struggles we often face.  Life is cold, difficult, and on the dark days we must somehow find strength to go forward.  This past winter there were many days when I found myself longing for longer, warmer, brighter days.  Now that those days are here, I can barely contain myself.  I feel a little like the character of Red in the movie, “The Shawshank Redemtion,” who said, “I find I’m so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head.  I think it’s the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain.” 

Like Red, I too am so excited I can barely hold a thought in my head.  Yet, unlike the fictional character, I know the conclusion of my journey; some sweet day I will see the Lord face to face.  This blessed thought gives me hope and strength to better appreciate life and to walk forward in godly boldness and confidence.

So, what is on your mind today?  How can I pray for you or what would you like to get off your chest?  I would love to hear from you.  Feel free to leave a comment.

God bless you.