‘Tis
the Season
Doug Larson, the popular
Writer and Editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette perfectly characterized the
most vibrant time of the year.
“Spring is when you feel
like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.”
This Wisconsin born and
bred Columnist appreciated the joy of turning the corner on a harsh winter even
while it still clipped at his heels. Larson’s humorous optimism - and a whistle
- catapulted his senses into appreciative overdrive. Cold toes? Who cares?
Larson could see the sun
climbing higher in the sky, feel the temperature grow warmer on his skin and
notice new life burst forth around him. So do I.
“The flowers are springing
up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills
the air.” Song of Solomon 2:12 (NLT)
In the nation’s capital,
Spring is the first time of the year when the sight of riotous clusters of pink
cherry blossoms, the scent wafting from their newly opened blooms and the
tickle of their petals brushing my cheek intersect to make me want to
whistle! The breeze is slightly cool enough to put me in a pale, yellow
cardigan but the sun is high enough to promise another 65 degree day on the
Potomac.
So it is in your life.
Spring sighs that your hibernation in God’s winter of preparation is over.
“They set out from the city
of Rameses in early spring - on the fifteenth day of the first month -
on the morning after the first Passover celebration. The people of Israel left
defiantly, in full view of all the Egyptians.” Numbers 33:3 (NLT)
Spring is your time to
launch - prepared and ready to face the world of His promises to you.
“On this day in early
spring, in the month of Abib, you have been set free.” Exodus 13:4 (NLT)
Spring is your time to begin
the journey of Ruth. That was the tenacious, young widow’s season to sojourn
from Moab to Bethlehem; from loss to new life. It was spring when Ruth
entered her Promise Land of barley then Boaz!
“So Naomi returned from
Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They
arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley
harvest.“ Ruth 1:22 (NLT)
Your spring 2013 is the
fulfillment of God’s silent, deep, hidden and sometimes harsh winter of
preparation in your life. It shall hold the beginning of a riotous, colorful
burst of His glory overtaking you! He tells you that you are,
“...the spring crocus
blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley. Like a lily among
thistles is my darling among young women.” Song of Solomon 2:1-2 (NLT)
Spring 2013, He exchanges your ashes for beauty. Restoration!
“Ask the Lord for rain in
the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so
every field becomes a lush pasture.” Zechariah 10:1 (NLT)
Spring 2013, He moves you from mourning to joy. A lush pasture? Come on!
“The Sovereign Lord will
show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His
righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up
everywhere.” Isaiah 61:11 (NLT)
Spring 2013, He enrobes you in justice and a garment of praise to replace the despair!
“Look, the winter is past,
and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of
singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The
fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.
Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!” Solomon 2: 11-13 (NLT)
The snow of your winter -
the one that blanketed a life He was slowly and steadily nurturing under its
bitter chill - has melted. Just a little slush in your shoe - already
melting.
It’s not unusual to see a
crocus peek its eager, spring bloom through a little wintry slush. Spring
2013, thawing with promise, will land you in Doug Larson's shoes - whistling on your way.
- Still Processing
It is inspiring to see that so many times God brought new beginnings in the lives of his people in the Springtime! Thank-you for sharing these verses.
ReplyDeleteGod is ever encouraging new beginnings.
So glad you stopped by my blog. I enjoyed your post.
loved this
ReplyDeleteSpring here is believing what we have not yet seen
so much like our God!!
Hello, HisFireFly;
Deletethank you for comment here. just took a peek at you very lyrical posting! so visual, so clear, so moving! i love how you take me from the outside covering of warm garments to the inner warmth of a melted heart. SO good where you write, "in this heart there has been a slow melting a drawing close to the flame and no external storm can silence His invitation." And we share a love for the same scripture in Solomon's Song! Seems it encouraged us both to step into a promising new season with the substance of what we are hoping for; the evidence of what we don't yet see! I am praying for you. That the melt and blossoming is accelerated in your life. BTW - thanks for visiting and commenting on my posts. Your comments are encouraging!
This: the snow of my winter, blanketing a life he was nurturing under the chill, that grabbed me. Oh yes.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed all your scripture and pondering it, thank you for a nurturing meditation!
Hi Beth,
DeleteThanks for taking a peek. Thanks for letting a line resonate with you. I liked that what I strung together here sits well in another's soul. Just visited your site and LOVED how you took me from the year round vibrant beauty of Santa Barbara to the seasons of New Haven. Boy, could I see the contrast! Still, your line, "Winter is the hard time...It’s the time to persevere" was perfect. I will sit on it as I await the Spring bloom I anticipate. Thank you, again, for connecting with me here. I will continue to "visit you in New Haven," too! Loved reading how you homeschool and juggle family time and professional obligations. Real life. I am praying for you.
Spring is a wonderful reminder of new beginnings! May your life be filled with His Word and His blessings! As you continue your journey, may you take the time to enjoy the sweetness He has provided. When we are mourning, it is so difficult to feel and taste the goodness of the Lord. But, if we continue our praise through the tears, He will warm our souls and set us free. Blessings to you~
ReplyDelete