For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.Song of Solomon 2:11-12 KJV
It’s spring! The start of spring may conjure up a variety of images and memories in your mind . . . sunshine, fishing, bicycling, barbecues, picnics, flowers blooming, gardening, butterflies, birds chirping. I’m thankful for spring for all of those reasons, but also because it means warmer weather, longer days, less pain and stiffness in my joints, and less chance of potentially slipping on ice and needing a revision to my hip replacements.
As I prayed and pondered what I’m most thankful for this week, the arrival of spring seemed like a no-brainer. But beyond the many benefits and reasons we so look forward to spring each year, God impressed upon my heart the wonderful idea that no matter how hard life may be at times (including a cold, dreary winter day with aches and pains and a ho-hum mood), there is always a new day ahead. It’s sometimes hard to remember in the moment, but we can delight in the fact that no matter what our circumstances, tomorrow is another day with a promise of a fresh start, like a fresh, new spring day! Happy spring!