“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).
