“The first day of spring is one thing,
the first spring day is another.
The difference between them is sometimes a month.”
–Henry Van Dyke
Van Dyke’s observation is surely proving true this year for those of us in the Midwest. Since the first day of spring March 20, we’ve enjoyed only a day or two of shirt-sleeve weather. Cold, unremitting rain and even snow dustings have occurred more often.
(Photo taken April 2)
But we know the warm euphoria of spring will eventually arrive; it always does.
“No winter lasts forever;
No spring ever skips its turn.”
–Hal Borland
And when warm sunshine spangles the sky once again, God’s springtime handiwork will proclaim his glory—from deep in the soil where tree roots awaken, to high on the mountains where overflowing streams roil.
We can join in creation’s celebration, singing our praise to the Maker of Spring:
O God of Defined Order,
You appointed four seasons to circle the year,
Each with its own purpose and characteristics—
Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn—
Inevitably and always in that order.
We praise you for your dependable constancy.
O God of Gracious Restoration,
You created foliage that returns to life each spring.
New grass suddenly appears, verdant and fresh,
Bush and shrub become draped in pale green lace,
And tree buds finally release their tiny leaf curls.
We praise you for your attentive sovereignty over all things.
O God of Inventive Design,
From winter’s death you ordained delicate blossoms
To emerge with varicolored vivacity–
Royal crocus, golden daffodils,
Blushing hyacinths, and flame red tulips.
We praise you for your infinite creativity.
O God of Marvelous Wonders,
You direct springtime rains to wash over the landscape
And replenish the earth.
Leaves sparkle, petals gleam,
And crystal jewels cling to slender limbs.
We praise you for your beauty-yielding renewal.
O God of Exuberant Transformation,
Songbirds, breezes, and gurgling brooks
Chorus together in euphoric strain,
Because you are the only One who can
Turn harsh winter into jubilant spring,
And we praise you for your miracle-working magnificence.
You are the Almighty God of invigoration.
And we celebrate you, the Gracious Giver of springtime joy!
_____________________________
P.S. Most of you know that Steve was diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of March. Radiation therapy beginning in early May will be the first line of defense, with a liver transplant expected in the fall.
Meanwhile, we praise God for his peace, presence, and intervention. One example of the latter: it just so happens (!) my nephew’s girlfriend is a profusionist. That’s the person who runs the heart-lung machine to keep a patient alive during transplants and certain surgeries. She sent an email full of helpful information and uplifting encouragement. Bottom line: there is every reason to expect Steve to fully recover!
Thank you VERY much for your prayers on Steve’s behalf. God IS working!
(Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.fickr.com (2).
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, just reading your verses alone makes one feel renewed and refreshed! (It so happens that today’s temperature was nearly 70 here; I even removed by A/C cover…in anticipation of the warm days ahead.) And the glorious pictures are such a beautiful complement to your verses. BEST of all was the wonderful news that the Lord has already put plans in motion for Steve’s healing. Even giving you a bonus regarding your nephew’s girlfriend sending you information and encouragement! The Lord is so very gracious! Praise His Name!
Thank you, Cheri. Hope you’re enjoying the same warm breezes and sunshine we he have here today. Of course, tomorrow’s forecast includes chilly temps and rain again, but we know more days like today are still ahead! So glad this post brought you renewal and refreshment. And yes, we are celebrating the positive input about Steve’s prognosis! Thank you SO much for your continued prayer on our behalf.
Nancy, the photos and verses you used in this post are so inspiring. It does indeed remind us of spring and Easter–both reminders of new beginnings and a new tomorrow. Many, many prayers are being offered for you and Steve as you both look forward to new beginnings. Much love to you both.
Thank you, Ruth. Praise God you found this post inspiring. And thank you for your encouragement. We are SO grateful for the many prayers being offered for us. Love to you also!
Nancy, your post is such an encouragement! Those verses pour from a heart of trust in God and convey a deep sense of peace. THANK YOU for letting us share in that. Praying for Steve (and for you, dear sister!)
Thank you very much for YOUR encouragement and prayers, Heidi.
we finally hit 70 yesterday and the bottom is falling out again this weekend. I think everyone is tired of this winter which is just hanging on so long. BUT spring will come. I do have hope!
Yes, the forecast here is for cool weather to predominate for at least the next ten days. Wouldn’t it be nice if a cool spring meant we’ll have a cooler summer?! (I had enough of heat and humidity when we lived in Florida!)
We pray for you & Steve every morning and are so happy to see your wonderful attitudes & positive outlook. God be with you two & the doctors during this process is our prayers. You
Thank you, Shirley. We are SO grateful for the precious prayers of God’s people on our behalf. God IS with us, lavishing us with his peace. The doctors we’ve met so far have been caring toward us and passionate about the work they do. We have no complaints!
Hi Nancy,
Let’s pray right now, okay?
Lord,
Be with Nancy and her husband. Remind them that you have a time and season for everything in their lives. I pray they see healing from the spirit out to the rest of their lives. Bring them closer to you and those who are around them.
In Jesus name,
Amen
What a thoughtful thing to do–to pray for us right here, right now. Thank you, Gary!
You bet.
Nancy this reminds me when you had the bible study ” God’s Tapestry” Because of the study, I recognize God’s beauty in the landscapes. It is good to hear that you have faith in Steve’s healing. God bless you both as you travel the journey with Hope. Laura.
It warms my heart to think the “Weaving a Tapestry of Worship” Bible study encouraged you to recognize God’s beauty in the landscape–still! And thank you for your blessing as we travel toward Steve’s healing. Today we’re enjoying God’s gift of a perfect spring day–sunshine, soft breezes, and clear skies!
We are also walking the cancer road due to Leon’s diagnosis of gall bladder cancer that has invaded the common bile duct. We are just beginning the whole process but have been told it is an aggressive cancer. One of the seasons of life I suppose. My love to you and Steve.
You, too? Oh, Grace! I pray that together we might avail ourselves of the supernatural strength only God can provide, that our trust would remain rock solid and our joy still effervesce. (I think that’s going to be the theme of the next post!) Love to you also, my friend!