I was so excited to celebrate I wore spring colors and grabbed a light weight sweater. Before I left for work I took the dogs out for their morning duty
and it was snowing!
The deflating of my spirit could be felt all the way to Cleveland.
This has been one of the top five coldest and snowiest winters in the last thirty years. And I was ready for it to be done.
But it was snowing.
Can you relate?
As I was driving to work, I was just about to express my displeasure to God in prayer, when it occurred to me it’s still the first day of Spring! An occasional snow squall or ice storm or even freezing rain will happen–because that’s what Spring is.
Spring is the greening time: grass and trees. Spring is rain that brings flowers…and mud. We get to the end of Spring and we’re praying for summer’s warmth and fun. And then we want Autumn’s cooler temps and glorious display of color.
But without winter..without that season of rest and death…there would be no Spring.
So I hear you thinking, “What on earth does this have to do with Lent or seeing God?”
Well, I recall Job mused on this and his response to his wife’s disgruntlement with the way things were going down was, “Shall we take the good and not the bad?”
Pretty gutsy for a guy who lost everything, was covered with boils, and surrounded by some unsupportive friends. But it’s probably because in spite of it all, he learned this truth: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The apostle Paul also got it. He’s the one who said: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
Notice this: it doesn’t say all things are good. Paul is clear that this amazing, lavishly loving God, is able to make all the things–good, bad, or otherwise–work together for our good.
And here’s what I know about Spring snow: it doesn’t last!
PRAYER: God of seasons, change, and time. Forgive our reluctance in accepting the disappointments of life and not seeing your hand at work in it ALL. Help us to trust that you are working, using ALL things for our good and your glory.
Pot of Manna 