Lessons Springing Forth

"This year's felt like four seasons of winter

And you'd give anything you think to feel the sun

Always reaching, always climbing

Always second guessing the timing

But God has a plan, a purpose in this

You are His child and don't you forget."

                                             -- "Reason", by Unspoken

It had been a while since we'd listened to this playlist, but when this song came on the other morning? Wow! You're not kidding! 

People have joked about the first few months of this year feeling like two years, and I couldn't agree more. In my neck of the woods, Winter was mild. It seemed as though it had never really gotten started before COVID-19 had us still huddling inside, hunkered down in our pjs, having game nights (and mornings, and afternoons) and over-snacking. But here we are, and it's May, and there are signs that, quarantine or no quarantine, trees will bud, flowers will bloom, and the grass will still grow and grow. Perhaps it is those signs, those tokens of a promise that has everyone in a much more "normal" frame of mind these days. The weather has been warmer and the sun is shining, and the garden stores are packed (so much for social distancing). Families are barbecuing and sitting on their decks. Our neighborhood has been filled with music and laughter, neighbors calling out to neighbors, and the hum of weed whackers. People perceive the promise of Summer and have acted on it without giving it another thought. And given the current situation -- well, I believe we have been cooped up so long, everyone is prepared to enjoy it to the fullest -- even if it all disappears tomorrow. As I observed all this, I wondered how many lessons there are in all of it.

Promise. Does anyone seriously question whether Spring will become Summer, or Summer will become Autumn? It is as sure as my last breath. A promise made and kept year after year. And the signs we see merely confirm it. Just like the promise of eternal life. And, though no one has returned from the hereafter with 5x7 glossies, it is the promises God has already fulfilled for us as a people and as individuals that assure us His words are true. Our sins are paid for, there is a resurrection after death, and the most glorious reward we can receive is to spend that time with Him eternally.

Signs. Look around. The signs are everywhere. Not just of the impending seasons, but of the handiwork of a marvelous, thoughtful Creator. The way those dandelions reproduce! Bright yellow petals whither in minutes when plucked by chunky little hands, but when breaching the domain of a lawn fanatic? Those things are relentless, indomitable! Mother robin, fat with eggs heralds weather warm enough to sustain the life within her; the miracle of life that presses on from generation to generation. An Artist who does not simply mimic beauty, but is the Author of it. And is, Himself, Life -- that is a promise.

Belief in action. A few warm days, and people are plunking down their hard-earned plastic to spend hundreds on rakes, mulch, lawn mowers, flat after flat of flowers, patio furniture, and vegetable seeds. Barbecue grills are scrubbed and loaded up with enough seafood to feed an army. People barely gave it a second thought before they began to act like Spring had sprung. The way believers act on what they know is true (even though some may never see it to fruition on this side of eternity). Those who courageously faced lions and ridicule and sickness and spears -- to serve the Lord and tell others of His promises.

Joy. Bursting forth even in the midst of this strange time. A time when, sadly, our country is divided and its citizens are tested. A time when some are fearful of illness and death, and some are fearful of tyranny and subterfuge. A time when life is not what we are accustomed to and probably not what we would plan. But with a promise, joy springs forth. The fear is placed -- at least temporarily -- on a back burner. Divisions of opinion are left in the cyber world of Facebook while people get out and enjoy the reality of life and promise. Even the bitter memories or grief of a season of sickness or death are displaced by the warmth of light (and Light) on our faces.

There are lessons in this season, in every season. God has not forgotten or abandoned us. If we walk with Him, we will experience the good and the glory He has promised. We can weather even a year of "winters" because He is with us and strengthens us. And it is His promises and the signs of His faithfulness that allow us to jump into action, spreading joy to others, without giving it another thought. We can be light to others because He is Light and Life to us.