Springtime of the Soul

Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash

As I sit in my office with the window open writing this week's reflection, spring is in the air...at least for now! The sun is shining, winter coats have been shed and we're ordering more mulch for the church playground to make sure we're ready for another season of playing outside. The tulips in the garden outside of house have begun to sprout and there's several inches of green peeking up from the dirt. There are almost enough signs that spring has come to make us forget that there is still a whole month left until winter officially comes to an end. 

In the ancient church, the season of Lent was known as "springtime for the soul." The word for "lent" came from the word for "spring." Lent was a time of cultivating, growing and preparing for new life. An opportunity for "spring cleaning," of our hearts and minds in preparation to journey with Jesus to the cross, the grave and the empty tomb. 

As we enjoy (hopefully) more spring like temperatures, I invite you to consider the beautiful weather as a reminder of the Lenten journey we are on. Bask in the sunshine and use it as an opportunity to reconnect with God, the creator of the universe. Look at the new growth emerging from the dirt and remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Trust in God's promise of recreation and new life. Hear the call to return to the Lord your God in the springtime sounds. 

Of course, there's a good chance that we haven't seen the last of winter yet. Our ever changing weather is one of the things I love about living in this part of the country. But for right now, we'll enjoy it while we have it!