I have begun the spring cleaning of the house and yard; each and every daffodil inspires me to keep going, like a cheery reminder that spring is upon us. In this year, 2021, it is a season for a ‘springtime’ of the heart.
It has been a very long winter! At last, the coming of spring heralds a new beginning for us all. With the advent of Covid 19 vaccines, it is as if the world is opening up with possibilities. I feel like we are on the brink of a brand-new start.
This month of March, brought my husband and myself, a new grandchild. This little grandson is such a spark of joy! You forget the wonder of a new baby fully until you hold one again in your arms. God’s love is present in such a powerful way in the birth of a child.
I loved raising my four children. They brought myself and my husband incredible joy. But, nothing in the world could have prepared us for seeing our own children become parents; when you become a grandparent, it is as if your life comes full-circle.There are no words to describe the wonder of this great gift from God. I only know that it is one of His most amazing gifts…the love for a grandchild is immediate, and without end.
I do believe that this spring of 2021 is a time of renewal for each and every one of us. It is a ‘season of love’, as we are able once again to see our friends and family. If we have learned anything, it is appreciation for our beloveds. It has been a very hard thing not to spend time with the people we love and care about.
As I clean the windows, and remove the cobwebs, I lift the cobwebs from my mind as well. It is time to start again. It is time for the daffodils to dance in the everyday moments of our lives. It is time to watch the sun rise, and to know that, we too, are ready to begin a new day.
Outside, I clean the ‘garden rooms’, removing old leaves and clumps of weeds. I try to do this with my thoughts as well; it is time to leave the nagging worries of this past year behind us.
In life, we wander in and out of many rooms. I think of the rooms that my grandchildren will discover, from the playground to the corridors of adulthood. The world is a very big place; I can only imagine where those little feet will carry them as they grow into bigger shoes, each and every year. I know that God will guide their footsteps, from the first step until eternity…
But whether we are young or old, and whatever room we currently find ourselves in, there is always time to let the sunshine back into our lives. We can draw back the curtains, and open the windows. We can breathe in a breath of fresh air.
When we look out, there will always be some clutter, the undone things we wish to get done. May we remember to listen to the sweet song of a bird singing his heart out. May we see beyond the fallen leaves, and experience the wonder of new life.
I know we are not completely out of the woods yet with this pandemic. I know we still have a long way to go, and it will be many months before things feel ‘normal’. Still, we have reason to celebrate; a year ago this March, we were just beginning to search for answers concerning this virus. We certainly are fortunate for all the advances that have been made. We continue to pray for those who are ill with Covid 19, and for those who have lost loved ones.
Our God has blessed us with new beginnings, and everlasting life. Thanks to Him, there is always a spring, always a way out of the darkness.
Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
John 14: 2: “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Ah yes, the many rooms of life and seasons Linda. So true. Winter keeps charging into our spring room here even though the grandkids found a slough with thin ice yesterday. Like our parents we are trying to keep them from rushing the pearly gates too soon.
There is that abundant ‘thin ice’ to be found in life. Those grandkids of yours share their grandfather’s enthusiasm for life! They don’t want to miss out on the adventure. You and your wife have taught them well to live life to the fullest. But yes, we do worry! I am glad you are there looking out for them…
I’m all warm & snuggly after reading this. π·
That is because you are a warm person to begin with…the kind of person always hoping for good things!!! May you keep finding those things as the spring unfolds in her usual splendor…
πβ₯οΈπ
Lovely. Here, in my area, I always watch for the plum trees & the Bradford Pear trees to bloom. It always reminds me of Easter. Some are already popping out. Spring is in the air. – Alan
If ever in my life I longed for spring, it was this year!. I feel like a little kid as the days grow warmer and brighter. I open the blinds in the morning and look out…every little thing that blooms makes me happy. (So far, it is just the daffodils, but I am not complaining.)
The earth is waking up and it feels glorious. A lovely reflection.
Yes! Sometimes, it is hard to come back indoors when the weather gets nicer! It is such a change of pace…all that warm sunshine! π
I like how you describe all the signs. All our grandchildren are adults, but they remain a joyful part of life. Last week I wrote with excitement about the crocuses blooming. Today itβs snowing. But life is moving in the right direction; better everything is on the way.
Here in Virginia, we had snow one April day a few years ago! I took a lot of pictures! It is that time of the year when the weather can be almost anything! There is nothing like a crocus blooming against all odds; it is a sure sign that spring is on its way.
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson, Linda! What a joyful beginning to the spring season and the hope it brings.
Thank you Liz! It is a joyful time! Today, it is a cold and cloudy day, but we have much sunshine in our lives to celebrate. Easter will soon be here as well, and there is no hope like the hope that Easter brings!
You’re welcome, Linda!
π π π
Congratulations for your grandchild! I like how you connect nature and our thoughts. I like the spring and hearing the birds singing and the buds on the bushes and trees. And I think my favourite part is seeing all the snow melts. Your writing is beautiful, and I enjoyed reading this!
It is a beautiful time of year! I can understand that you love the melting snow…it marks the shift in seasons. (We are enjoying that new little grandbaby!) π
Once again your writing brought tears to my eyes. I connect with your spirit as I read your reflections. They bring me joy and peace, Linda. Thank you!
I am so glad you enjoyed reading, ‘The Coming of Spring’! Today, the clouds have moved in and the cooler temperatures have returned. I am glad I brought some ‘sunshine’ indoors; my little daffodils are a bright spot on a rainy day. π I know we need the rain as well as the sunshine, if spring is to make her debut.
Oh, and congratulations on your new grandbaby! THAT must be pure JOY. I can hardly wait for that experience!! Blessings to all of you!! What a gift fo springtime. Perfect and sacred.
Thank you Elisa!!! God is so very good! When the time arrives, you will be an awesome grandmother. All the precious things you have gathered in your heart will spill over to your grandchildren. It is a sacred trust, a bond of love that spans the generations.
This spring does feel especially bright and hopeful, doesn’t it? I love spring in general, Linda, but after the virus, it feels especially wonderful to see the sun coming out and the garden showing signs of the summer to come. Congrats on the new grandchild. What a joy! Here’s to years of adventure. π
Thank you! Yes! Adventure does await…new life on the other side of a deep winter. It has been a trying time, but God has seen us through. Each little flower that opens reminds us that it is time to start again, time to begin a new chapter. Now, there is the open road, and we must venture out once again. π
[…] Β Β Β Β Today, Michele Warren’s quote and Linda Raha’s post, The Coming of Spring, hold a teaching for […]
First of all, congratulations on the grandchild! Nothing is better…. And yes, this Spring is especially the season of hope that we all need. Our Easter will be different this year, as my husband will be in the hospital then, recovering from a surgery that should be the last of his cancer treatments. But we have decided to simply celebrate Easter on Psalm Sunday instead, rather than skipping the celebration that encompasses all that Christianity is really about. And you know what? It will be just fine…..
I am praying for you and your husband! You both have been so brave and supportive of one another. I remember when you went to the cabin and you posted the photo of you in the kayak. You are an inspiration! With prayer and high hopes you have weathered a personal storm in the midst of the Covid 19 storm. I am so very proud of you! May God bless you and your husband, this Easter and always.
Congrats Linda, my father said that if he knew being a grandparent was that good he would have skipped the first part π
Your post is so full of love and light, like a daffodil bursting across my screen and piercing my heart … I also envisage my mind/heart being cleaned out as I imitate the domestic goddess bit [loathe home duties] π
Thank you Kate…we are excited about this new little person! I much prefer cleaning the outside ‘garden rooms’; I love to be outdoors, especially in nice weather. Spring cleaning is a ritual that I rather like, because then, I check off a whole bunch of things to be done all at once. π The child in me loves these to-do lists. It is like homework when you are a kid and get everything done; outside, the blue sky awaits and you are free to go out and play to your heart’s content. π
what a lovely way to phrase it … I’ll see if it motivates me more π
It is something we all need motivation with! π
It does feel like it’s been a long Winter, doesn’t it? I love Spring and especially this year I’m looking forward to it more than ever! I saw loads of daffodils the other day and it made me so happy!
There is nothing quite like a field of daffodils! They seem to spring up all over the place where you would least expect. π
Linda, I enjoyed your many connections between God’s Word, nature, and our own lives. I agree with your love-filled thoughts about grandchildren. God’s peace to you and your loved ones.
I wish you God’s peace also. The grandchildren are such a gift! Happy Easter to you and all of your family!