“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3~
“I remember too how spring came, just when I thought it might stay winter forever, at first in little touches and strokes of green lighting up the bare mud like candle flames, and then it covered the whole place with a pelt of shadowing green blades and leaves. And I remember how, as the days and the winds passed over, the foliage shifted and sang.” (Wendell Berry)
The last part of winter brings Lent, which can be a harsh season–even if you don’t choose to sacrifice something. This March brought us a medical emergency for my husband. Yesterday, not unusual for the first half of April in central Pennsylvania, it snowed.
The chill seems even worse since warm temperatures weeks ago fooled us into thinking spring was already here. Winter lingered. It seemed entrenched. We continue to feed the woodstove, but the time of piling blankets on the bed at night will soon end.
In a few days, the lavender-blue hills will reappear awaiting spring green soon to follow.
Life is a series of seasons. Some are beautiful, warm, and easy. Some are cold and trying. All hold the purpose of drawing us to God and shaping us for eternity, shaping us to live in a beautiful place outside time without sacrifice, without pain.
Shaping us for eternal spring. The Lenten season is short. Warmth and new growth lie ahead.
Easter is coming.
Such poetic writing. This warmed my heart – not unlike spring!
Thank you, Ava. God bless!
Nancy, this is so beautiful and pithy. Oh, how I long for eternity when I’m reminded of what’s ahead. It also gives me a sense of urgency for others who don’t yet know that Easter is coming.
Urgency–such a great word for how our hearts should yearn for the salvation of our loved ones. Thank you, Annie. God bless!
Amen. Easter is coming.
Thank you, Melissa. God bless!
Beautiful! Praying your husband continues to recover. The hope of spring is such a great analogy about the resurrection.
The forsythia and soon to come lilacs remind us of renewal and redemption. Thanks, Jessica. God bless!
Spring is a wonderful time of year as the earth comes back to life. Great words Nancy. Sorry to hear about your husband, hoping he is getting better.
Thank you, Yvonne. He’s doing well. God bless!
Hope your husband’s recovering quickly and completely, Nancy. Seasons indeed. Have a blessed Easter, dear friend!
You too, Mitch. Thanks and God bless!
The progression of spring as it leads up to Easter is always such a blessing, especially when living in one of our country’s northern states.
Things are blooming here in PA, and the daffodils are in full bloom. Thanks, Melinda. Happy Easter, and God bless!
Beautiful and comforting, Nancy. And I like how you started with 1 Peter 1:3 which was the main theme of my blog post this week. Happy Easter!
Thank you, Karen. God bless!
Beautiful thoughts and words, Nancy. I’m late with this reply, but I can verify He is risen!
He is risen, indeed. Thanks, Peggy. God bless!