New Hope of Spring

New Hope of Spring

Photo by Randy Pillion

Winter is nearly done and spring is just around the corner. Usually just before spring arrives we become very weary of old man winter. We start to complain about the gray, gloomy skies and how it seems like the dry grass and barren trees are never going to green up again. Our mood seems almost as dry as our surroundings. We have a very dreary outlook for the most part.

We need to remember that this time of year is very special…it is a time of anticipation. The trees have buds on them, don’t they? The birds are braving the slightly warmer days that still turn into cold nights, right? There are signs of green in the yards if we look hard enough. The days are getting longer, aren’t they?

It is that way with our spiritual lives as well…

Nature truly gives us insight to our spiritual life…This is the time of year that I often think of my dad. While he was alive, he rarely had dark times. But when he did, he still managed to find it within him to smile, laugh and face whatever came his way. His final battle was with cancer. Up until the very end, he managed to find purpose in his illness. He loved his family so much and he knew that God would provide the opportunity to share his faith with us all. It was like he had a mental checklist of everyone he needed to talk with.

Daddy loved the first flowers of spring…Crocus being his very favorite. He would watch with such anticipation for these beautiful little flowers. He knew that once they bloomed that winter only had a couple of more weeks to daunt us. Crocus meant that spring would soon be in full swing.

I think that he saw his opportunities to share his faith with everyone like that of the Crocus blooming. Each one of us was one little flower that was ushering in his final spring. It was no surprise that Daddy passed just hours after sharing his faith with the last of his siblings. With his Crocus garden complete…He went on to be with the Lord in heaven.

We have all gone through long winters, spiritually. Many of us face times when trials darken our countenance. Circumstances can affect us negatively if we let them. The scriptures tells us to be grateful in all things (I Thessalonians 5:18). It is not saying create seasons that are crazy and unfortunate. But rather it is a statement that says when they come, find the silver lining and trust that when it all passes – new life will spring forth!

What or whom represent the Crocus in our gardens? Are we looking with anticipation of the first signs of the changing seasons? Are we grateful in ALL things? Do we believe that there is purpose in our lives? These are just a few questions that we should ask ourselves. We need to look inside ourselves and find our purpose(s). Is the Crocus blooming in our lives?