Spring forward

(Image found at Delicious Earth.)

Spring provides an opportunity for us to make a transition to spending more time outdoors, being more active, and spending less time in our winter state of hibernation. We are in a time of change, growth and shift in these early cool days of spring - but I think we are at a place of being ready for some waking up.

The crocuses are peeking out of the ground by the walkway by my house, a robin or two have been spotted, and the last "official" day of winter is now behind us. I think it might be safe to say that Spring has arrived! (Just don't get to hasty on the shorts and tank tops yet!)

In the church calender we have approximately four more weeks of Lent, before the time of great rejoicing and joy: Easter. This point in the Lenten season, it can become more challenging to stay focused on Ash Wednesday pledges and commitments, so I was considering shifting my perspective within lent to a more spring-like point of view.

I've been thinking a great deal about the flowers peeking from the ground this week. By their posture, and their progress; it's almost as if the flowers are in a position of anticipation or seeking. They seem to be scoping out the chilly air in hope of being caught in a warm ray of early spring sunshine. The flowers are seeking the light.

Jeremiah 29:12-14 reminds me of the determination of the sun seeking flowers, only in this case it is a challenge given to the people of God.

12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

While we may not be a people in a situation of physical captivity, like the Israelites in this passage, we may at this point in Lent feel stuck in our progress or growth. Just like the faithful flower that has waited all winter to spring out of the cold ground, how might these last few weeks of Lent be an opportunity for us to spring up and grow?

If you feel held back by something, maybe this season of Lent is an opportunity to pray about or work through that "something". We need to keep in mind that the parts of life we often exalt or celebrate are the blooming flower kind of moments; when in reality the beauty of the flower includes the whole process of being planted, watered, germinating, and pushing its way through the dirt and stones to finally break through to the surface and the be exposed to the sun.

Lent is a season for us to germinate: to come into being, to sprout and to grow. Without the season of rest, growth and dirt, there would be no flowers at all. Hang in there. Spring has just sprung and Easter morning is just around the corner. Seek God with your whole heart these last weeks of Lent, and prepare to experience a bountiful spring in the garden of your spirit!

Seek the light, and SPRING forward!