The chartreuse of evergreens is tired and shaded like a faded photograph with yellowed edges closing in on the corners; but a few buttercups down in low places protected from the brisk mornings have decided to chance a late frost and be first again among the fragrances of spring. Two geese are standing by high water from melted snow deliberating about flying north. The bumps on twigs are about to split open into blooms. Blue jays are watching for hearty meals again and the doves are ready to coo long into the evening. Grass is about to green with bright shades and shadows are about to grow long wings that stretch across the lawn. Red trumpet vine is just beneath its cover and daises are anxiously waiting to dance across byways. Honeysuckle is preparing to perfume the air. Dandelions are about to threaten Kentucky bluegrass and fruit trees will dare Indian winter to spoil their prospect for offspring. Johnson grass will cut its way into a crystal-clear sky. The hillsides are about to sing again the glorious melody of new life and the crabapple tree is about to offer its crooked limbs for nests. The moon shies and the sun closes in on those cold nights warming the earth and drawing the curtains on winter; and the sun rediscovers its boldness to spur on the advent of spring.
If darkness has reached its fingers into your heart, coax the spirit of spring to take root and return to the height of glory by coming to Jesus. It will be refreshing to your soul and bring a spring back into your step. God says, “If you come back to me, I will be like the dew to you; you will blossom like the Easter lily and take root like a giant cedar. Your new branches will spread, your splendor will be like an olive tree, and your fragrance like a forest full of redwoods.” (Hosea 14:4-6 my paraphrase). Come on back so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).
Stephen Williams