My neighbor has a crab apple tree just starting to bud. The branches are covered with small green leaves and tiny deep pink buds.
The beauty of the tree is in contrast to the huge oak tree nearby. Even though its spring, that oak tree seems still to be in winter mode – strong, sturdy and deeply rooted but not a leaf in sight.
Sometimes I feel more like the oak tree without leaves. How have I deepened spiritually during the winter? Hopefully I’m deeply rooted in God like the oak tree in the earth. Even though I may not feel that rootedness, I know God is the source of my groundedness.
As I delight in the budding crab apple trees, I feel a sense of hope in the new life coming forth in spring. I reflect on the Scriptures that fit this spring season. Two come quickly to mind:
Isaiah 43:13 “See I am doing something new, it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?
John 10:10b “I came that you may have life and have it to the full.”
Springtime can give us hope as we see nature awakening.
What new thing is God inviting to come forth in you?
Holy Creator, thank you for the beauty and hope of springtime. Help us become awake to the new things you are bringing forth in us. Guide us to sense the abundant life we have as we grow in our relationship with you. May we share the newness coming forth in us for your glory. Amen.
