Spring in the Air and a Spring in our Step!

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. — Song of Solomon 2:11-13

You can feel and see it, things are warmer and brighter—meteorologically and mentally! 

The  cold gray of winter is behind us replaced by blue skies, warm days, bouquets of flowers, yards sprouting to life, and trees clothed in green, filled with the chorus of singing birds. 

We also sense the gradual fading of the dark pandemic winter. As vaccines roll out there is hope for the glad return to normal when once again we can see smiling faces unobscured by masks, feel the warm embrace of friends, and enjoy stadiums filled with cheerful and cheering fans. 

Spring is new life, a new start, and renewed optimism. Spring is in the air and with it a renewed spring in our spirits and steps.

As we depart for spring break, take time to observe and enjoy the beauty and goodness of God as reflected in his creation. Slow down. See, hear, smell and embrace the beauty of God’s creation. It will lift your spirit, stimulate gratitude, and put a spring in your step! 

Ode to Spring

Oh glory be to things that grow!

That burgeon, blossom, bud and blow

In Springtime’s light and airy breeze,

Which ruffles softly new sprung leaves.

What tongue there be to justly praise

The wonders wrought by Vernal days?

These beauties bright which turn, indeed,

Each frozen heart to flaming glede.

O Daffodil! O Daffodil!

That covers well each downy hill—

E’en Solomon was not arrayed

In splendour such as you displayed.

Ah! Lovely Tulip, what to you

Is all the wealth of Timbuktu?

What, then, the gain of dye from Tyre—

When Gladdons blaze with purple fire?

Thou Cowslip and thou Daisy fair—

Thou Foxglove, Rose, and Lily rare—

Much more is your surpassing worth

Than all the gems throughout the earth!

Consider well what ecstasy

Lies cloistered in each Peony—

That dormant wait until the hour

Their chains are loosed, then start to flow’r.

Oh Spring, indeed, thou teachest well

That man, though wise, knoweth not the spell

Which makes all things by beauty bound—

That Mystery which none hath found.

May the Lord grant you and yours a safe and refreshing spring break!