At this moment, spring is about 13 hours away. I’m writing at 6:13 am Tuesday.
But, after 13 hours I’ll still be waiting for spring to look like spring. What I’m seeing with the naked eye right now is snowdrops and robins, a mixed message.
It can be the same within our life circumstances. We may have the hope of spring, but personal situations crowd in on the green. We see things that blind us.
The first day of spring, March 20 marks the vernal equinox, a balance of daylight and darkness. The meaning of my name . . . (spring green). Like my name, most days I feel daylight, but often darkness blocks the light.
We can determine not to be conquered by feelings.
This week I have spoken to more than a few dealing with a winter time in their life. Cancer, loss of a loved one, financial hardship, shattered family. The time we need “spring” to come into our spirit. Somehow.
The word hope means a favorable and confident expectation. It has to do with the unseen.
Outside of my morning room, I can’t see spring but I know it’s hidden somewhere in the naked branch . . . nestled dormant in earth until the time comes for it to make an appearance. There is a bud within a tree.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
God is as constant as the seasons He has created.
Spring is a season of hope. It reminds us the winter in our hearts won’t last forever. There is promise of new beginning. So may we choose hope. Not a finger-crossing hope, but one that remains steadfast to believe with expectation.
To see further than our eye.
Because of the Lord Jesus and His resurrection hope is all around us.
This week, let’s do a hope search . . . together.
Verna
Lori Hynson says
Again, Verna, you gave me just what I needed to hear! In my Bible reading this morning, the author of the study guide advised us to concentrate on the successes, not on the problems. Today I will concentrate on faith in God’s promises!
vernabowman says
I pray you (and I) will focus on the beauty even in the bleak! (Especially now . . when so much is going on in your life!)
Carolyn says
A hope search . . . like that so much. I will be joining you. 🙂
vernabowman says
Together, we’ll find riches, kind friend.
Mary Leidy says
I needed to hear these words. Thank you, Verna!
vernabowman says
I needed to write them, Mary (and reread them!) . . . thank you for the faithful following, I appreciate you so much.
Hollyann Thompson says
What a blessing to hear Gods voice through your words. It is so true… I today was just getting really down on not seeing a rainbow. Thank you so much! Many Blessings!!
vernabowman says
We’ll keep looking up for that rainbow, Hollyann! Thank you for the kind comment.
Marlene Bagnull says
Thanks as always, Verna. I posted a link on my timeline. Love you – Marlene
vernabowman says
Thank you for posting on your timeline, dear friend and mentor.
Glenda Mills says
Beautiful Verna, You are waxing eloquent these days in spite of winter wanting to hang on. Just what I needed to hear. Do I have permission to reblog this on my site? Hugs!
vernabowman says
Thank you always for the kind encouragement, Glenda . . . my blessing for you to include me and reblog on your site!
Glenda Mills says
Thanks sweet friend!
Vonda Skelton says
Praise God for the spring that’s coming–in life and in ministry!
vernabowman says
I’m looking forward to both, Vonda . . . each day is a fresh start.
Laura says
Thanks for this lovely reminder that we can hope with confidence, in spite of all circumstances, because of who our God is; the God of hope in Christ Jesus.
vernabowman says
It seems each circumstance takes us to the deep place of knowing more and more just who God is, doesn’t it, Laura?
Janeen Ippolito says
Thanks for this, Verna! I’ve been poured out a lot lately to bless others, and while that is a blessing, it is also exhausting, especially for an introvert. Then these last two days God has blessed me with outdoor time during recess (usually I’m inside helping one of my students–I joke that I must be a vampire because between homework and no recess break, I never see the light of day).
But it was wonderful to feel the oncoming spring, which comes so soon on the Eastern shore. Even in the midst of a crazy teaching week, hope is still alive.
And Spring Break is coming. Praise God!
verna says
. . . and I hope you will have a great renewal and time to refresh during Spring Break, Janeen! Thanks for always adding so much by your comments. . .
Glenda Mills says
Reblogged this on Glenda Mills.com and commented:
Happy Spring everyone…at least that’s what the calendar says today. We have sunshine this morning and we missed the snow storm and after effects that others are struggling with in the North East. I just wanted to share this post written by my dear friend Verna Bowman in anticipation of Spring. I hope you will take time to visit Verna’s blogsite. Blessings to you all!
verna says
Oh thank you, kind friend, for sharing this on your website, Glenda. . . I so appreciate your constant encouragement.
Carina Paula Arias says
We’re at the beginning of Fall here in the southern hemisphere. I’ve seen a lot of flowers and trees in their peak this summer. Now I’m getting ready to see the leaves lose their glory and fall… Just like we do. Bracing ourselves for seasons of loss, looking forward to a new beginning. Dying, and yet, living… experiencing the power of resurrection. New hopes. New dreams. New friends come. New learning. New awakenings.
We’ll see much more of this in the days to come. If only we have our eyes open to the wonder… the wonder of Creation. The wonders of little nuggets of wisdom God shares with us through people.
Who has an eye to see? Who has an ear to hear? The message is clear to whoever is little enough. The wise, the smart-alecs of this world won’t get it. But we, the children, the “simple”, we can see and hear and taste, AND ENJOY the beauty.
Oh, the beauty!!! There is so much beauty around us. And we’ve been promised beauty for ashes. WE are beautiful with a beauty that was not our own… Can you see the precious garments your Savior has prepared for you, to clothe you?
Happy spring to you all! May you taste and see all the Heavenly flowers God will send your way in this seasons. And may you see the flowers here on earth and remember the crown of glory that awaits you in Heaven!
vernabowman says
Thank you for this beautiful addition to the article on spring, Carina. I love “can you see the precious garments your Savior has prepared for you” . . . I appreciate your visit, and may you be blessed with spring no matter what season you are experiencing!
Liz Cowen Furman says
Hanging on for SPRING, and JESUS to return too! Great one Verna!
vernabowman says
Thanks so much, Liz . . . I love your visits! I see you very soon at the Colorado conference!