The door to spring is open now.
It is as if it arrived on the wings of a butterfly.
I feel the flutter in my soul of better things to come.
A new day dawns with the brushstroke of soft light
flickering within…
Oh, can it be that the tender wings have set us free?
The blue sky of eternity waits in wonder.
The light, it dances everywhere at once…
shadows fading, a world made new.
Spring has arrived through an open door…
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Spring Cleaning
My husband and I have been spring cleaning, both indoors, and outside. The winter storms brought down so many branches, and additional leaves. We have been raking out gardens, picking up sticks, and bringing debris to the dumps.
Inside, I have been reorganizing the closets and putting together items that we no longer need. It is amazing how much we accumulate over time. My kitchen has excess items that we do not use. I have clothes that I do not wear. Someone out there can use all of this stuff. So, I have been filling one bag after another with items to donate. At the end of each season, I am always surprised at my ‘haul’ of things to give away.
When we are done, the house and yard feel altogether new and much less cluttered. (Of course, this is a work in progress, and we have a long way to go.)
It brings a sense of peace and order to have less things to worry about. It is as if we reclaim our space and can enjoy our home more fully. Suddenly, we find things that went missing, and we know where everything is!
Spring cleaning extends beyond the house and yard. In a very real sense, we can ‘spring clean’ the way we think about ourselves, others, and the world. When we remember that our blessings from God overflow day to day, we can picture our lives as a ‘house overflowing with good things’.
Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well.”
Picture this awesome ‘house’ in your mind’s eye. This resplendent house is full of gifts, gifts that are overflowing in every nook and cranny. This is a house designed by God Himself. He does not make mistakes. His craftmanship is perfect in every detail. Each ‘house’ has its own contributions that are unique to each individual.
As we gift our belongings when we spring clean, may we gift of our abundance in terms of our personal best. We have hearts full of love, hands to help others, and joy to share with those around us. May we give to others out of the abundance God has so freely given to us. We will find a great peace and discover that the more we give away, the more we have to give.
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Sprit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
It will soon be Easter! Our azaleas are not in bloom yet. The photos are from another year. They are green now and soon there will be buds. Tomorrow night will be cold here again…winter is still lingering in the midst of spring. It is a wonderful time of year…I hope everyone catches a case of ‘spring fever’, and gets outside to enjoy these springtime days.
Beautiful Linda.
Our spring door is flapping open and shut. Today, by days end, I hope to see grass instead of snow on parts of the yard. So glad God’s actions and promises are sure….in contrast to the weather and seasons (of life too).
You are so right about God’s actions and promises! The weather is an entirely different story. I do hope you get to see that green grass…I look forward to your springtime photographs!
A charming intro to spring, and hope!
Spring has arrived! I hardly know where to begin with the yard work! One day at a time…It is wonderful to see everything starting to bloom. 🙂
Your photos are so full of hope. I’m itching to get out there too, but the cold windy weather is keeping me inside. The forecast for Monday, March 31st predicts snow!
Spring is coming! We had snow in April one year. It was April 7th, my mother’s birthday. She was thrilled! You can expect almost any kind of weather in the month of March. It is a very interesting month in that way…lots of surprises! 🙂
Your spring blooms are lovely! My husband and I are decluttering as well, although he’s been much more successful at getting rid of things than I have.
I’m really looking forward to Easter this year! And I’ve begun my Spring cleaning too…. I especially loved what you said about giving. I firmly believe that the more we give in life, the richer our life becomes!