Ah, spring. The time of year when we look for new growth. And it is getting so close! The winter has been long and dreary. It always makes me want to hibernate with coffee, books, and blankets and not come out until winter is over. By this time, I am tired of cold, dead, and bare and ready for warmth, growth, and blooming. But now, when I look out the window, I see the earth starting to wake up. The grass is staring to grow. The bravest flowers are blooming. The trees are thinking about budding. The days are getting longer and warmer, and the sun seems to shine a little brighter. We are able to spend more time outside, enjoying nature and spending time with each other. It’s a lovely thing.
The same thing happens in our spiritual lives. We all have seasons where we struggle, where we feel cold, dead, and bare. When we are in despair, or overwhelmed, or tempted to give up or give in. We have times we just want to hide away from everything and say, “I’ll come out when it’s over.” The good news is that God is ready to help us transition from this season into the next. He wants to help our souls warm, grow, and bloom. And just as Earth depends on the sun to move into spring, we can’t move on without the Son. He is the Living Water we are nourished and refreshed by. His Spirit shines in us and through us to brighten the darkest places. God through His Son and the Holy Spirit gives us new life and produces sweet fruit in that life. All we have to do is give ourselves to Him and trust His will, following the path He sets before us. And, it’s a lovely thing.

