I cannot remember a more beautiful spring; this year, in the days leading up to Easter, spring has been simply magnificent. Juxtaposed to the sense of fear and dread we have encountered with this Corona virus, it is as if the earth was making a counter attack. Day after day of blue skies, flowers budding and blooming , birds singing from morning til night. Last night, an amazing Pink Moon shone in the sky like a heavenly beacon. It is as if the earth were whispering to us that all will be well; the seasons come and go, and this season too of uncertainly will pass away.
I know that God is whispering in our ears that He loves us. He is empowering His people to do their part in fighting this pandemic. The heroes, doctors and nurses, are on the front lines of this battle. But, there are other heroes as well…truckers carrying precious needed cargo of food and supplies, mail carriers and delivery personnel bringing needed items right to our doorsteps, teachers teaching children from their homes, clergy doing their best to preach the gospel while they must remain separated from their congregations. And there are countless others, all doing their part to make a difference.
On our front porch are two white rocking chairs. I have to admit, I don’t sit in one of those rockers nearly enough. But lately, that has changed. The front porch is so welcoming right now, a respite from this virus that is ravaging our world. On the porch, there is only the sound of birds chirping, and a positively beautiful view. At the moment, my Spring Snow Crab Apple Tree is showering the ground in a carpet of white petals. I watch as the petals slowly fall to the earth, and I am mesmerized by the ‘spring snow’.
Out on the porch, I can watch the butterflies and the bees. There is the enchantment of time seeming to stand still…if only for a moment, and I can forget all about the bad things happening in the big wide world. It is only for a brief interlude, but it gives me a break from the worry, from the fear, a rest from the weary unrest of the times we find ourselves in.
It is also a good place to pray. When my mind is still, I focus better. I stop trying to figure all this mess out; I release the panic button; I find peace. I focus on Jesus and Holy week. I remember who I am, and to whom I belong. I remember that the Holy Spirit resides within my soul, and He comforts me in these hours of uncertainty. Most of all, I remember that I do not have to go through this alone; God is right here with me.
Things in the world change, but God does not change. His mercy endures forever, and His promises never fail us. When I feel afraid, I can open the bible and read the Word of God. Only He can speak to my fear and calm my being. Only He has the answers my heart needs to hear. The world can offer me no solace and I know that; only God has the key that offers us peace; only God Himself can comfort us.
Yes, it is a magnificent spring…our Creator God uses only the finest brushstrokes to color the world we live in. His brushstrokes bring spring to our hearts as well. It is almost Easter; the Risen Christ brings us new life, the chance to start again.
Like the flutter of a tiny bird in flight, we are set free, free to rest in our Heavenly Father’s arms, knowing His grace will sustain us. He calms our fluttering hearts with His embrace; it is the embrace of the One who loves us best, knows us through and through, and will never let us go.
So, as the blossoms ‘pop’ on our azalea bushes, and the blue sky above seems the perfect canopy for our springtime days, may we remember to honor ‘springtime in our hearts’. For it is there that God is doing great works on our behalf; He is planting seeds of love daily and He is encouraging the little seedlings of hope to prosper.
In His own way, and in His own time, God sees to it that the garden of our soul flourishes. With each passing day, the soul itself can grow ever more beautiful; it is as if spring itself were without end, flowers in profusion, sunlight streaming through a stained glass window made of blue sky, hearts that ever deepen in compassion and love.
How blessed we are in this Holy week. How blessed we are that a season of new life in Christ is upon us; Easter calls us yet again to be disciples of Christ and to spread His word to a hurting world. May we open our hearts to the love God pours out for us in Jesus; may there be spring within our souls, light that overcomes all darkness.
“Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”:John 20:29
oh what lovely photos and such a rich message, your faith is unquenchable may it bring you much peace in this time of panic … and use that rocker more often š
Happy Easter Kate! We are many miles apart, but in spirit, not so much. I wish you the blessing of peace this Easter. Your poetry is a thing of joy…a conduit of hope for those who are lucky enough to read it. May this be a season where the gifts you tirelessly give away, return to you many times over.
such kind wishes, thanks Linda … please stay safe and well coz you shine such a bright light!
Thank you Kate! š
Oh, Linda, I envy you your front porch and rocking chairs! I do have a balcony and have 2 chairs and a small table, so Iām not without the ability to sit out in the fresh air. No flowering trees, though. Yet, everything you say rings true. And God is in the midst of it all, bringing to us just what we need to find comfort and assurance in this strange and unknown time. We endure with His grace and shall come through stronger than ever because we live in His strength. Thank your for your witness.
Your blog has often touched my soul…your faith, determination, and bright spirit shine through in your posts. I feel so blessed this Easter with the people God has given me in my life. You are one of the people I thank God for. Stay safe. Thank you for being there, sharing your faith, bringing so much passion to everything you do. Your witness to the love we have in Christ has brightened many a day for me. God bless you! Happy Easter!
I didn’t recognise the tree in your photo but I did wonder if it was a crab apple tree – and it is! Oh joy! I’ve always ‘loved’ this tree from the time I read about it in my Anne of Green Gable books where the character, Anne, loved the crab apple tree growing right outside her window. I know how precious it is to have a tree close by. There’s something so magical about waking up to see leaves stretched high to the heavens, with little birds tucked into boughs, singing their lullabies for the day.
Yes, there is joy to be found even in these times snugly hidden in little spaces. May this be our Easter egg hunt this year!
I so love the way you string words together…always sounds like music! Thank you for the music you have brought into my life. Wishing you blessings this Easter!!!
Wonderful positivity. A beautiful post. We had some pretty daffodils, but they are beginning to fade. Nothing else budding yet. But soon š³ š» š¦
Wishing you a wonderful Easter! Little by little, everything is starting to bloom. It is such an amazing time of year! I pray that the ‘buds’ of all good things will bloom for you in the coming days.
So well done, Linda. I, too, had some front-porch time this morning around 5:30. It wasn’t planned and only the bright moon lit the lawn. But, I was able to get away from the news with alone-time with the Gardener of my soul. Happy Easter, Alan
Happy Easter Alan! You are wise to get out early…those early morning hours are so awe-inspiring. Wishing you blessings! š
Thank you for this uplifting meditation. I think it’s fitting that I’m reading it on Easter Sunday.
Happy Easter Monday! I hope you had a nice Easter! Wishing you blessings Liz!
Yes, I did, thank you, Linda! I hope you did as well.
You’re right, in many ways Spring was extra beautiful this year, and that was such a blessing. And even though we couldn’t celebrate it in our traditional ways, we needed the message of Easter more this year than ever before….
Time has seemingly slowed down in so many ways. Easter was very different, but you are so right…we need the Light of Christ more than ever before.
My spirit is so refreshed, reading this post. Your writing flows with His presence, Linda. Thank you so much <3
Thank you! You have brightened many a day for me when I read your posts… I thank God we have such a strong community of believers. It is a great source of comfort in these days…
Aw, I’m so glad! And you are right, it really is such a special provision from Him. We thank You Father!
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Thank you so much, Linda! I pray you are so very blessed today too! <3 š
Wishing you many blessings also Jennifer! š š š
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Beautiful post, as always Linda. I’ve enjoyed Easter and the start of Spring this year. Although it’s not what any of us expected, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this homely time and slower pace of life xxx
Thank you Jenny! There are gifts woven into this difficult passage in our lives. The slower pace does give us time to think more clearly about many things. Time itself is a gift that slips through our fingers all too easily; we are wise to consider just how we ‘spend’ this precious commodity.