Every year, after a long winter, we watch in awe as spring arrives, and with it comes an inner sigh of relief and a breath of fresh hope. What can spring teach us about hope?
Winter is not my favourite. I just want to hibernate warmly until warmer breezes blow, huddled in my hoodie with strong black coffee in hand.
Some of us spend the winter waiting for spring.
And this year, we have needed the hope of spring more than ever.
We’re all a little weary hearing about the coronavirus pandemic, yet it is hard to ignore something that has invaded all our lives, turning them upside down.
At the easiest end of things, we are missing our extended families and friends while adjusting to having our family home 24-7. We're anxious getting groceries, missing school and celebrations, and left wondering if we’re going to get the summer vacation we’ve been anticipating.
In between, life goes on…complicated by restrictions. Decisions still need to be made about education; job searches and interviews press on; relocation logistics proceed; diagnoses and treatments continue.
Yes, this year we need spring more than ever.
Against the dark backdrop of the news cycle, birds are singing and the sun is shining. Snowbanks have melted and we’re catching glimpses of daffodils, crocuses, and tulips popping up through the winter topsoil.
These bursts of colours wave hope.
Even in the darker days.
New life, pushing through the resistance of earth’s covering, indicates that work is being done in the hard places – in the dark places.
While this isn’t news and may sound cliché, it is appreciated with new eyes this year. Like nature, we all go through life seasons.
And as we watch and learn, we realize we shouldn’t discredit the winter seasons of life.
According to Matthew Wallenstein, associate professor of ecosystems science and sustainability at Colorado State University, soil organisms continue their normal processes underneath permafrost in winter months.
In this article by Stephen Schmidt, Wallenstein says, “We can see that they’re actually transforming that soil and making nutrients available so that when the plants start coming to life in the spring, there’s actually nutrients available for them.”
We all know the benefits of nutrients: healthier growth.
What a message for us! The winter seasons in life are not wasted and they definitely matter.
It’s in these seasons that our “inner soil” is being worked and nutrients are being prepared for a new season of life.
Winter seasons give space for unhealthy things to die – bad habits, harmful patterns, hurtful relationships, cloudy vision, and apathy. It’s a season where glimpses of light peek through the darkness. If we allow the work to happen, gratitude, new routines, healthy habits, rest, self-reflection, and new perspectives can take root.
Growth and renewal can happen despite tough circumstances. The soil is being prepared for deeper and stronger roots, giving way to a flourishing abundant life!
This is a hope I know personally because of the work God does in my own heart…in my own life.
This is a hope I can hold out to others.
We can help fight these lies that try to hold us down…try to bury us in the dirt of life.
Jesus said he came so that we can have life! (John 10:10)
God loves new beginnings – new life. And He wants it for each of us. Life is held out to us as a free gift through Jesus.He can redeem what has been lost. He can make flourish a life that seems ordinary. He can forgive what has been done. He can heal wounds and bring beauty from brokenness. He can give peace in turmoil and strength in weakness. He can give courage in the face of adversity and comfort in the deepest grief. He can resurrect what is dead and give new life.
So friend, hold on. If you are in a winter season of life, go out and take a look at nature. Observe the newness bursting out after a long cold winter.
New life is about to push through and the wait will be over.
Our eyes will brighten as we realize in wonder: Spring has arrived!