Sunshine On A Cold Day

Image via Wikipedia

I took a walk today

watched the trees starting to bloom

and heard the birds sing

I tried to empty out all the stress

and things to do

from my mind

I walked past men working on a roof

and heard the loud sounds of a pressure washer at work

they took no notice of me

walking by

I was aware of cars driving by me

of others out for a walk

and tried to find a place

where I could be alone for a moment

quiet my mind

release the unanswered questions

of past

and regret

I tried to concentrate

on the blessings instead

the many new friends on my journey

and the simple things

like sunshine on a cold day

But this spring is taking longer

than other springs

this lesson

is taking longer to learn

than other lessons

And I’m finding

It is the smallest things

that are the biggest miracle

They are found

in the most unlikely places

and that is where true release comes

It is a step

on a never-ending journey

to lose

and yet

to find

a place of true rest

and of true peace

like sunshine on a cold day

And I believe

although I cannot feel it yet

that the chill in the air

will soon turn warm

and the sunshine

will penetrate the cold

and shine warmth down

on my face

although I cannot feel it

it is still coming

Today is like a kiss

a promise

of more

than just sunshine on a cold day

Spring

Another season

rounds the bend

filling up my senses – replacing the cold

like a long lost friend

Trees flaunt their finery

the sun kisses the new buds

my spirit soars

my soul floods

Ever in a hurry

to throw off it’s heavy layer

and with new resolved purpose

a consummate player

Mountains shed their winter coat

water rushes in liberation

Every flower, plant and tree

all of creation

Sunshine and rain

birds singing in the morning

sounds of nature

without warning

All of this and more

is Spring

God Bless

Seasons

Last year Greg and I read a book together on marriage.  In one of the chapters the author talked about the “seasons” of marriage.  It was interesting and stimulated much conversation.  I think many of the things in this book could also be applied to each one of us individually – as we are all on a journey.

Summer

This usually applies to the times of our life when things are going well.  Like a hot lazy summer afternoon –  No problems – no crisis – nothing to get too excited about  – You’re  in a comfortable pattern of life and things are happening in a predictable and even comfortable way – no real work required – just coasting nicely along.  You sleep well – you’re enjoying life – and everything is good.

Fall

Usually the fall of our lives is a time of a “shaking up” of the mundane and comfortable.  You can’t always see “sunny skies” anymore or what’s coming – things happen – life happens.  It can be a ripping and tearing of things that are dear to you.  In the fall – leaves turn color – fall off and die.  This season of our lives can be stormy.  There is a chill in the air – and a faint memory of better times.

Winter

This is the hardest season of all – in marriage and in our individual lives.  It can come and last for many years.  This is the barren time – the time when warm days seem far away – and praying and hoping for them seem hopeless – there is no relief in sight.  Sadness and depression come in the winter of our lives.  People have hurt us – we’ve lost a loved one – we think God has abandoned us.  We question everything.  We wonder what we did to deserve this.  And it is a hopeless bottomless pit.  God is very near during this season – and is doing His deepest work in us during the trials and pain.  Bringing healing and restoration to our hearts.

Spring

And then God.   He brings life from death – hope from despair – mourning into JOY!  In the spring of our lives we find validation for the winter.  Reasons that now become clear to us.  A weight is lifted off our chest as we begin to see clearly how the winter was indeed our “friend”.  And how near God was to us as we were so near to defeat and plunging into a “dark place”.  Spring brings color and texture to our winter world – new life buds all around us – we feel alive and free.  Creativity and self expression burst forth and we become ever grateful for blessing – and appreciate the little things life has to offer.

What season are you in today?  Do you find things good?  Then you are probably in a “summer” season of life – Praise God for summer!  I would live there all the time if I had my way.  But maybe you’re in the “winter”.  I’ve been there.  I did most of my growing in that season.  It was cold and uncomfortable but I heard God speak to me more during that season than any other time in my life.  If you find yourself in that season today – allow Him to do the healing work in your life and heart.  “Spring” is just around the corner – and when the timing is right – it will be there for you.

Maybe you are in the “fall” or “spring” of your life.  I am finding myself in the “spring” right now.  I appreciate the journey and God’s hand on my life through the “winter” season.  I will never again take things for granted – but find the value in each relationship in my life – and find a way to love and encourage those around me to do the same.

I am praying for you

God Bless