
I heard the first bird’s song of the season a few weeks ago.
Every year, when I hear that first little trill, breaking through the silence of winter, it’s a special moment for me. It is a divine reminder from my Creator that spring is on the way…renewal is possible…even inevitable.
Now, when I leave the house before dawn to go exercise, I hear a symphony instead of silence. The birds flit merrily from tree to tree and chirp as if they are sharing their plans for the day with one another, heralding the promise of possibility wrapped up in the hours ahead. It makes me smile. Then, as the day unfolds, there is the joy of watching new leaves burst forth from their buds, one by one, each making its grand entrance–so fresh, bright, and pure! These yellow leaves are ablaze on the bush outside my home office window. Beautiful!
Outside my dining room window are my absolute favorites, the Aspen leaves pictured above, with their lime green brand new brilliance! So tender and full of hope, reaching up as if in praise to the One who brought them forth!
There is newness, freshness, and the promise of renewed life all around us! We just celebrated Easter–the ultimate celebration of new life! Amidst the bad news we hear of bombings, disparaging political comments flying unrestrained, and the day-to-day stresses of life, our minds and hearts can become weary. Life is challenging; that’s a given. And we sometimes find ourselves under the weight of long-term, seems-like-this-will-never-end trials and seasons of suffering or loss. BUT…spring.
I invite you to take a breath with me, notice a new leaf, and listen for the bird’s song. The old saying, “This too shall pass” is so true. Nothing ever stays the same. There is new life all around us. It’s here beckoning us to believe for the better yet to come. I pray it will lift your heart today and put a smile on your face.
Have a bright day!