When Spring Blossoms...

A lot of times life is just like the seasons of the year. Sometimes it’s an ambitious cycle that never seems to end, and other times it's like two in one. We're all so familiar with the frigid, cool air of winter, and the soft, warmness of spring. As I look at the lives of others and even my own, I find a mix of winter and spring. You can tell the pain and hurt someone is going through, almost like sensing the distinct smell of snowfall soon to come. Although their words are filled with kindness, and their faces struggle to put on a smile--the hurt goes much farther within. Some hide it all away, yet others don't hesitate to share a word...you don't know until you feel it with them. You put yourself in their place--longing to understand their pain. Just like the wind-chill of winter. Sometimes the wind blows and you know its there, but even when it doesn't--it is still cold. You don't understand quite what its like until you feel the snow. That's when its real--you know exactly how cold everything is. You can't control the weather, but sometimes you just wish you could make it stop, just for the sake of others. There's a way around it, a way to shine when the air is filled with bitterness. Even though I can't stop the snow from falling, and I can't make it completely warmer--I can be a temporary warmth. It's like a coat, or a cup of nice hot chocolate and maybe even a blanket. It won't satisfy forever, but in the midst of someone's winter it can at least bring some sort of warmth. I feel for them, and I understand just how cold it is...I've had many winter seasons myself. Amongst this long period of time comes darkness, bitter-cold, uncomfortable situations--that just aren't easy.

But even though all the blankets, heaters, and hot chocolate won't last forever--they at least keep things easier for the time being.. until that first flower blooms under the cold, white snow. Until the air changes, and everything becomes a little more promising. The smallest blossom gives the biggest hope of a new season. It's just like a dim, yet distinct light in darkness; it changes everything about it. Faith now reaches out its hand in the season of winter. The warmth the Son brings, melts away all doubts, fears, and hurt. Flowers bloom revealing the beauty that comes from pain. Birds sing new songs of praise, thanking spring for its faithfulness. Butterflies show off their uniqueness of what they developed into. Starting off small and weak, and metamorphing into a stronger and more beautiful masterpiece--none like the rest. Creation waited all winter long for this moment. And although winter may come back around--we can still sing, praise, and be joyous in the coldest of days because we know, and have experienced the joys of spring. Life may be like this now...and we may constantly have to watch others experience their own painful winters, and we ourselves will experience hurt. And although it is easier to fall and freeze in the dead of winter, rather than soar in the joy of spring: we can and will be encouraged by this: we are promised a spring season that lasts forever!


*Happy birthday Momma!