For behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
–Song of Solomon 2:11-12
It’s interesting when, in the midst of winter, I encounter friends bundled under protective layers.
Often, they are so covered from head to toe that they are unrecognizable. Only a familiar walk or voice reveals our identities. Understandably, we keep our conversations brief while in the bone-chilling air. We hurry to the warm shelter of car or home to thaw our freezing limbs.
The agony of winter!
But then winter fades and spring arrives. Friendships revive as we linger with acquaintances. Along with the blossoming flowers, relationships have a chance to spring up and bloom as well.
The birds return and their songs fill the air as they busily mend their nests, anticipating young arrivals.
Fresh green carpet blankets the outdoors while trees exchange their bald branches for plush foliage.
The snow melts and icicles vanish, leaving springs of water to babble a melodious song as they cascade, laughing and lapping over the stones beneath.
My eyes are no longer glued to the earth, watching out for snowy paths and icy perils. I now enjoy the luxury of looking heavenward. And what do I find? With smiling eyes twinkling with love, my Father is already looking earthward, gazing at me and showering me with blessings of renewal!
Prayer
Dear God of new beginnings, Please renew my heart with Your joy. Revive my life with Your love. Bring springtime from the dreary seasons of my experience. Help me to look up. Shower my path with blessings. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
How prone am I to look up during the wintry blasts of life? What blessings of springtime do I need in my life right now? How, and where, can I find them?