The Path to Springtime

Don't you just love spring? 

It's my favorite time of year!

I love ...

the freshness of new life,

the blossoms of the fruit trees,

birds singing, grass turning green ...

the planting of our veggie garden,

choosing the flowers for our patio planters.

I love the spring events - 

the picnics, graduation parties,

family birthday parties,

gathering with friends outdoors.

I love spring!

But even more wonderful to me than the season of spring ...

is holding a sense of springtime in my heart -

a kind of springtime that lasts all through the year.

Living each day with freshness 

and closeness in our relationship with God -

where we are aware of His love

and we are walking closely with Him.

Where every day can feel fresh, 

like spring ...

Maybe this springtime that we long for

begins by quieting ourselves,
not just once, but continually,

and by becoming very small,

like a seed ...

Why do we resort to thinking
that we are the ones who can do it all?
That we are the ones who can grow tall,
the ones to produce the flowers,
the fruit that will nourish others?

How often do I need to be reminded,
continually, always,
that it is about surrender.
Waving my white flag of surrender,
and giving up my own efforts,
my own need for control -
and just resting 
in the soil of His love and His power.

Maybe we need to give up our own agenda

for the masterpiece that He is creating.

Give up writing our own story for our lives

and embrace the one that He is writing.

Not settling for second best

with our own chapters and plot-lines,

but yielding to Him,

embracing the beautiful story

that He created for our lives.

Yielding completely,

growing to be the most beautiful flower

that He has designed us to be;

each seed, unique,

crafted for specific purposes.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. 

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, 

so we can do the good things 

He planned for us long ago.”

(Ephesians 2:10)

For Happy Mother's Day,

and for every day of the year!

To all mothers, and to all who long for the growth,

 and the flowers and the fruit ...

A sure promise from our Creator -

as we yield control,

and as we rest in His care,

trusting Him alone, 

the One who created the seed ...

that it is He who brings the growth,

who causes the flower and the fruit

to blossom and to grow.

Fruit fashioned specifically for me, 

and specifically for you.

Unique, beautiful, life-giving,

reflecting the fragrance of His love.

All for His glory alone.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, 

through His mighty power at work within us, 

to accomplish infinitely more 

than we might ask or think.” 

(Ephesians 3:20)