The Promise

It is very quiet and peaceful this morning. Looking out our bay window I see a sunny sky for the first time in a few days. Just staring at that soft blue sky with a fluffy white cloud here and there brings a calmness. I'm content to sit and drink in God's gift to me this morning; another beautiful day filled with His love. His handiwork is all around me, in the beauty of nature.

There is a little drama playing out in our backyard; one we see every year about this time. The trees are all barren and brown. Long spindly pines have a few green needles here and there but they are mostly at the top of their skinny trunks. The hardwoods are void of any foliage.  They are brown and empty. Row after row of barrenness, as far as I can see. The trees reach up to the sky as if they are pleading to be released into new life. The grass is brown as well with a few muddy circles here and there left over from the recent rains. Overall its a drab scene.

Right in the middle of all this barrenness is a yellow bell bush in full bloom. It's tiny yellow leaves are standing at attention, reaching up and capturing all the rays of the sun and reflecting them back into its surroundings. I love this bush and its message to me that spring is so very close. Every year I watch for it's blooming as a sign that new life is about to explode.

A few weeks from now when everything around it has burst forth, the yellow bell bush will barely be noticed. It's yellow leaves will turn green and it will blend in with its surroundings. But today, this week, is it's time to shine. This little bush has a purpose, a command to herald the beginning of a new season. When everything around it is still asleep and barren, this little bush is shining, alive and bright. 

I'm sure the little bush thinks he is all alone out there, listening to the Master's command to come forth, but little does he know that in the front yard there are yellow flowers blooming as well. They too are heralding the beginning of a new season and they too will blend in with the new colors in a few weeks. But they and the bush will have done their job. They have notified us that change is coming. Time to get out a new wardrobe, don new shoes and walk forth into spring. 

Thank you, God for the seasons in our lives, both in the natural and in the spiritual. You never leave us barren and drab but always there is a springtime. Even in the most dreary winters, there is the promise of spring. Thank you for the centennials who stand strong and point the way to new life, even when they feel all alone. We move from glory to glory on the wings of your love.