Spring and New Beginnings and Looking Back

Spring is such a beautiful time.

After the long, dark days of winter, it is a breath of fresh air. A reminder that the world is always changing, and that there is beauty in every chapter.

Looking at last year at this time, I was a different person. Isn't it funny how mere time can change us? I wouldn't say that I'm any smarter than I was, but perhaps I am a bit wiser. Wisdom that comes from making mistakes and having everything fall apart in front of you. These changes aren't the the kind that happen without noticing, like growing taller or learning to like the taste of coffee. These are changes that occur with groans, that take work. The ones that you feel first breaking you down and then making you stronger in the long run.

Spring brings this looking-back every year. It is a time to both celebrate new beginnings and to appreciate life in all its walks. No one likes hard times. It would be much more comfortable to avoid them all together, but as one great quote goes, “Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” Like pressure creates a diamond, hardships prepare us for a destiny of uncertain circumstances but of definite resolution.

The Lord did not promise that this life would be easy. However, He did promise that we will overcome the world and all its pain and hardships. "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7). No matter where in life, this always encourages me. This spirit within me, no matter how defeated it may seem or wounded it may feel, it is not of timidity!! It is a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline! Though I walk in the midst of trouble, the Lord preserves my life. He stretches out His hand against the anger of my foes and against all the forces that want to harm me. With His right hand, that is Jesus, He saves me. What in this life can even touch me? (Psalms 35:4;138:7;Matthew 26:64;Psalm 118:6) 

Yes, spring is fast approaching. Soon it will come, and then it will go, and summer will take its place to be replaced by fall, and then winter, and then spring yet again. But the Lord's love never fails nor does His promise to us. He Himself said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5). With a spirit such as this, every day is an opportunity to experience, to live, to love, and to rejoice because you and I are fearfully and wonderfully made!