As I take time to observe my surroundings these days, I am noticing the signs of Spring’s return. Even though we haven’t even made it into the month of April, geese are honking overhead to announce their return from the warmer south. Robins have also arrived back north singing their songs while hopping about on everyone’s yard to pick at worms. The hard, frosted ground is becoming soft again as daytime temperatures rise and the days are getting longer. Soon the trees will be budding and the grass will begin to grow vibrant green again. All of this is pointing to the season of new life.
Anyone with an itch to grow plants or till gardens knows that this is the season of preparation. It’s time to make plans to buy seeds, get fertilizer, dust off the garden tools, and possibly clean up debris left behind by winter storms. All in all, there is a sense of excitement in the air. People seem to have a skip to their step these days. It is the prospect of the “dead” winter fading away and the “new life” of spring arriving.
Observing nature can sometimes cause me to think about where I am in my own life. To use Spring as an analogy, am I preparing my heart for new growth? Is there any “debris” lying around that I should tend to in order to make room for a period of new growth? Is my attitude one of anticipating “new life” or one still stuck in the clutches of frozen and dead winter?
On a day that was made for rest, the Sabbath can be a great time to meditate on the anticipation of new life. Our holy God is the author of new life—from creating the world, to giving us “new life” in Christ, to the many new blessings in each of our lives, it all brings a sense of rejuvenation. Take the day to reflect on all the new vitality that has been bestowed on you from your loving God and look forward to what could be new areas of cultivation. Possibly examine areas where debris has been lying around, and seek God’s help to get them cleaned up.
Some who are reading this may not feel the spring fever yet. Maybe you haven’t felt it for quite some time. To you I say, new life is there for you, too. From personal experience, I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t give up. This Sabbath, rest in the promise of new life even if you haven’t seen any in a while. It’s there for you, too.
“I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (KJV)
