RENEWAL

Spring is such a beautiful, matchless time of year. For those people living in climates where the dormancy of winter is bleak, the first splash of green is medicine to the soul. There’s nothing like eying the very first buds kissing the barren trees or spotting the tender shoots of wildflowers poking their way up from the recently snow-covered ground.

The fresh winds of spring usher in countless blessings with their breezes...a beautiful lark’s song, the captivating aroma of hyacinths and lilacs, the sweet faces of daffodils and tulips. Spring beckons new life with warm rains and drops of sunshine that were once but a distant memory and future longing. Of all things, spring brings renewal.

As I’ve soaked in the changing season all around me, I haven’t been able to stop pondering this concept of renewal. I picture the word and envision deep cleansing, restoration, fresh grace, hopeful futures, and regeneration. What do you see? Have you taken the time to admire the changes surrounding you?

Spring is rolling towards summer and I sense that God Almighty is again asking us to glean a lesson by peeking at His handiwork in nature. Imagine the shifts of fall. As it draws to a close, many trees’ leaves come to rest upon Earth’s floor. This is simply a process that must happen year after year. The same is true of the buds that form at the branches’ tips in the springtime. These leaves beautifully characterize the ebb and flow of life.

Just as the times and seasons change, our God wants us to allow changes in our lives. He yearns for us to welcome the fresh rains and radiant greens popping up amidst our situations and circumstances. The Lord clearly shines uniquely through each season to remind us of His goodness, compassion, and unending love. Though our Heavenly Father’s nurturing rains may come on a day we were planning a fantastic picnic, we must roll with His change in plans. Let us remember that He is a beautiful, creative, Sovereign God and He knows what He is doing.

In what areas are you sensing God desires to bring renewal into your own life? Are you warming up to the changes you see all around or are you frustrated that storm clouds have come and you've forgotten your proverbial parka?

I ask you: will you take this journey into renewal with me this season? Let’s grab our rain gear, dust off the gardening gloves, and pull out the sunglasses for our awesome adventures. I have no idea what’s in store, but I can certainly assure you: when fall rolls around in just a few short months, each of us will have collected a backpack full of stories and memories of our sweet times with God. Together, let’s deeply breathe in the fresh aroma and cleansing renewal of this very day...

Taking It All In,
Katie Marie

“The one who loves me...said to me, 'Rise up, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Look! The winter is past...flowers are appearing on the earth. The season for singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell. Rise up and come, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one.' " Song of Solomon 2:9-13 (NIRV)