I’m greeted with a blast of cold air as I walk out of the garage. I look around and see the remnants of winter – leafless trees and brown grass. We’ve passed the official first day of spring, but I’m searching for warm air and daffodils. I want to sit in the sun and feel the warmth on my skin. I dream of vibrant colors spilling every which way. But I open my eyes and all I see is dull, gray, and brown.
I, too, am in the winter of life. I look for new life and growth, but only glimpse the dead and broken. Each day I search with hunter’s eyes for anything, a sign, that spring is coming. Why has God brought me here? When can I leave? Unexpected financial responsibilities and stress stack likes bricks and begin to block my view. Oh, where is the spring? I know it’s coming.
Where are you Lord? Why am I here? I question and feel Him look at me and nod. I look to see what He’s nodding at, but all I see is winter. And the realization seeps over my skin – it’s part of life. Winter, that is. We can’t have the spring and summer always. Nature requires a dormancy, a time to rest, to grow deeper roots and to become strong in preparation for the magnificent beauty to be revealed. Spring always comes. Always. Sometimes it’s earlier than others, but winter never fails to bring spring.
I walk to the mailbox and something catches my eye – an oddity among the dark and dim. Across the street I see a green shoot. It’s rich and thick and tall. I turn back to the house and start grinning. My walk becomes brisk, and I break into a jog. He’s coming! He’s coming! And I, too, will bloom.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
I seem to be in a similar season in my soul…this was lovely as always.
I so often think of that post you did on the little plant your daughter planted in the cup….where there was no obvious growth on top, and yet through the clear plastic, you could actually see those roots forming.
I love to know as I look out at those trees that seem to still be trapped in winter that there is MUCH going on under the surface. Much that I cannot see, yet such vitally important work that will lead to Spring.
Winter can be so hard and feel so lifeless, but you are so right to stir yourself up into remembrance that Spring IS coming. It is! And I know that He has MUCH going on in you and around you that will one day bring forth a beautiful display for His glory!
Keep looking and keep hangin’ on. Beautiful post, my friend.
Love you,
K 🙂
This reminds me of Nichole Nordeman’s song “Every Season” – beautiful! I am praying for spring to come soon for you!
Love you!
Leigh
I pray for signs of spring to show up every day for you. Something each day to encourage you for the vision God has for your life. Your posts are always beautiful
Praying for you, friend. This post encouraged me. He's the Author And Finisher. :>)
🙂 Love this
Hugs
steph.