An End Can Be a Beginning

April showers have indeed spurred life into our May flowers. I will tell anyone that asks that Autumn is my favorite season and I stand by that. Spring, however, comes in as a close second. It is by far a beautiful season. Although I’m not too pleased with the high pollen and the sneeze-induced migraines, it is a small price for the beauty! A few weeks ago, I was driving to work and couldn’t help but take notice of the trees that looked like they were bursting with new life. 

I posted back then about the newness that spring represents, but didn’t really go much deeper into the truth of that. Think about the many things that have, in essence, died during the winter. We’ve seen more than our fair share of barrenness, I’m sure. As I drove along, I thought about all those trees that were completely bare just a few weeks ago. Suddenly, it was like there was hardly any room for the many new leaves that were bursting forth. The thought occurred to me how spring is an excellent representation of resurrection. 

Think about the dying off that many of those trees experienced. Many gardens or lawns experienced the fading away of bright green grass when winter came rolling through. The lack of color was a reminder of the harsh winter days ahead. Yet, when spring comes, it’s like new life has been breathed into every single part of nature that seemed dead. That really struck a chord with me on multiple levels. 

One of those levels is obviously spiritual. You can’t be a child of God and be untouched when you see new life spring forth out of things that seemed dead. Another reason that this struck me so profoundly is that many of us experience situations in life that seem like those barren winter trees. No amount of miracle gro potting soil was going to resurrect some of the situations that seemed devoid of life. I want to take a moment to stress that these are situations where life should be present. There are definitely circumstances, situations, and issues that we need to cut loose. God will use those hard things to reveal those moments to us where we need to do the big chop.

On the other hand, there are things in our lives that we’ve been praying for. Fervently and consistently. Yet, it seems like there is no movement. We can’t always be quick to assume that these are the moments where God is showing us that the desire we have is not good or is something that is not for us. Sometimes, these are moments where we are learning to step out on our faith a little more, rather than giving up. These are the moments where we just want a sign of life. Any sign will do! Something that will show us that God heard that prayer and things are moving. But just like the barren trees in winter, we sometimes don’t see a single bud of life.

Yet, many of these trees remain standing. Barren and all. What it shows me is that even though there is not a physical representation that new life is coming yet, it doesn’t mean that change is not happening. Like those barren trees, God is also stirring things up inside of us. We have to spend those moments that seem isolating and desolating storing up our spiritual resources and making ourselves ready for the newness that God is about to unleash in our  lives. 

Is this a season that seems overwhelming to you? Or  perhaps, it’s one where it seems like every single prayer has gone unanswered. However your barren tree looks, start looking at it differently. Start planning for the new growth in your life. For a cup that is overflowing. These times of difficulty are truly trying for even the strongest person’s faith to be tested. Rather than throw up your hands, remain firmly planted and deeply rooted. Stand tall with the confidence that God is about to do something in your life that defies explanation. Let him turn this season into one of resurrection for you.

Exchange your ashes for God’s beauty

Isaiah 61:3