“The promise of spring’s arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter!” Jen Selinsky
Happy Monday!
Spring has arrived! The specific time was Thursday, 3/20, at 5:01 a.m. EST, when winter became spring. Days will be getting longer, and the weather will be changing. At least, that’s the hope of many.
I say hope because many of us are in the throes of change. Sometimes, change doesn’t particularly feel like a good thing. Often, we’re so entrenched in the events of our winter that we can’t imagine an actual spring. Oh, there are signs that it’s coming, and we can even see the first buds, but we feel consumed by our negative thoughts, even when they’re legitimate.
Then, sometimes, we cling to the thought of spring during the harshest winters as an anchor to something better. Perhaps we’re in a busy season at work, but we start to see signs that things will lighten up. Or maybe we are in the midst of recovering from a tremendous loss from something beyond our control. Perhaps the loss was our own mistake or lack of judgment. If we can see those first signs of budding flowers or hear the birds singing in the morning, we have the opportunity to realign our thoughts and await the relief that’s coming.
Jen Selinsky, a contemporary author and editor, penned these words:
Sometimes, the loss seems insurmountable, as happens when we lose a loved one. In these times of uncertainty about what the future holds and inexplicable expressions of grief, we may only be able to imagine any hope for the future. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, author of the book On Death and Dying, shared these thoughts on hope for those who have struggled with the loss in a winter season and are looking for the spring to arrive:
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
A dear friend lost her beloved grandmother this last week. My heart goes out to her and the family as they navigate this winter season and look for the promise of spring. As you remember her fondly, I pray your tears will turn to joy at the appropriate times and that you’ll be able to move into the promise of the future hope.
Scripture helps with the hope that a season of spring will follow the difficult winters:
“But I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 (NKJV)
“This I recall to my mind. Therefore, I have hope.” Lamentations 3:21 (NKJV)
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NKJV)
“And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” II Corinthians 1:7 (NKJV)
As we navigate our winter moments this week, let’s remember the promised hope of spring. Let’s not forget that the bitterness of the season is temporary and that the future holds a season of peace and of joy. If you’re not in the winter season, enjoy the loveliness of spring and make a point to reach out to someone who needs encouragement in the hope of a new season. You’ll both be enriched and feel the shared compassion!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
