Friday, April 3, 2009

Spring Forward


There’s a pickle in my bathroom. The small glass ornament is a remnant from Christmas that never made it back into storage. It was plucked from the tree early Christmas morning by my son. This newly adopted holiday ritual is a source of such glee, that Charlie mounted the stairs in delight, being the first to find the elusive Christmas pickle. After a quick dance of celebration, he stashed it on my bathroom counter, where it sits today.

Although there are still a few mounds of snow clinging in shady spots on my lawn, the emerging daffodils (and the calendar) will remind you that it is almost Easter. It’s time to get my act together. The Christmas pickle is one of many small reminders.

Spring time and Easter are powerful reminders of God’s call to renewal. Each year I admire with awe and appreciation the rebirth of my yard. Mounds of brown sticks give way to awakening shoots of green. Tulips and crocuses push up from the hardened earth to be warmed by the sunshine and fed by the showers.

The season compels me to turn a new leaf in my life. I’m inspired beyond the prompting of New Year’s resolutions. Spring calls for renewal.

Beyond the call of spring cleaning and the change of physical elements, I am encouraged to address the cobwebs in my head. It’s time to let go of old hurts and habits and move forward. I’ve had enough negativity. I will no longer give audience to those who say I can’t live with purpose and passion.

As surely as I hunger for the sunshine between spring showers, I long for hope I can sink my teeth into. Strengthen me when life seems bleak. Nourish me when I feel weak. Prompt me to persevere through life’s myriad distractions.

In The Burning Heart Contract Becky Tirabassi points to a daily renewal and enrichment through the Word. Her spiritual growth and personal relationship with God flourished when she committed to spending an hour each day with the Lord.

While reading her testimony and her prescription for daily study, I realized I had become sloppy in my spiritual disciplines (not just my housekeeping). I had forgotten to feed on the Word of God. Removed from the richness that sustains and the food that endures, I began to wither.

My discovery leads me to action. My renewal requires change. All of this requires energy and commitment.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

How do the renewal of spring and the rebirth in Easter inspire you? Where do you turn for hope and encouragement?