Rarely, have I seen Spring come so early and with such exuberance. Every day, around every corner, some new beauty greets me— tiny new leaves unfurling on the maple tree, pink budded almond bushes, forsythia, magnolia, cherry trees decked with blossoms… tulips and peonies pushing out of the ground, a nest in the pear tree, the brown of winter transforming into a bright spring green.
Children are dusting off roller skates and frisbees, skipping down the street, chalking the sidewalks with pastel drawings; I see more families out on evening walks, couples holding hands. It’s a joyful season filled with simple pleasures– watching birds build a nest, stepping outside without a jacket, planting pansies, ranunculus and bleeding hearts in the pots by the front door.
And yet….
despite the beauty all around, I’ve talked to so many people in the last several days who are hurting, angry, broken, praying for relief.
This conflux of joy and sorrow brings to mind some of the best advice I ever learned. At a baby shower, an expectant young mother cradled her belly with her arms as everyone offered tidbits about sleeping, feeding, finding a babysitter…
One woman said this: “Your baby will go through all kinds of stages, phases, schedules– some will be wonderful, some will be difficult….
…the key to happiness lies in enjoying the blissful times and knowing the hard times will pass.”
Beautiful parenting advice, but even better life advice.
When our lives feel cold and dark and bleak, we can know warmth and beauty and color lie in the future.
God cradles us always. It may get darker before the light emerges, but light and peace will always come.
In the good times, the easy stages and phases, we have a responsibility to savor and celebrate and express gratitude.
I feel almost guilty about the giddy, somersaulting, singing from the rooftops happiness at our house right now– Hansie’s mission call, Stefan coming home in a month, romance, good friends, building a rose arbor in the garden…
But I’ll record those feelings and remember that happiness, and next time life feels impossibly dark, I’ll remember… God reigns in the heavens, the light will come.
Emi
This is gloriously beautiful Michelle!
Michelle
Perfect, perfect Easter post. Sunday will come.
And this may be the most glorious spring ever. But that may also be because winter was particularly hard for me this year.
Yes, Sunday does come. It always does. Spring is real. Jesus is real!
Anne Marie
This is just beautiful! So much wisdom. I am so happy for all the lovely, joyful gifts in your family!
Claudia
How I love your words and pictures! Your testimony and love for God shines through as always. Thank you M. <3