Prim stood in the doorway watching the rain fall on the melting snow. “It won’t be long now,” she whispered as she clutched her sweater closed, tucking her hands inside the folds. Winter’s fury was making its exit with one final blast of cold air. Tulip trees and camellia shrubs shivered until their blossoms fluttered into purple and scarlet pools on dormant lawns. Prim sighed and stood in front of the canvas just outside the doorway.

“Okay, that’s enough. It’s my turn, Winter. You’ve had four months to do your worst, but creation is ready for you to go. It’s time for something new.” Prim lifted a brush in each hand and began to create a revolution of colors.

Spring lingers near
Blooming there and here.
Transforming trees.
Sprouting new leaves.
Spreading fragrant cheer.

I enjoy watching the beginning of the spring season. There is still a chill in the air, but there are subtle hints that change is coming. Some trees are blooming, but others stand naked like there is no life left in them. Suddenly one day there are tiny buds on the branches just waiting to explode with sprouts of leaves. The trees may not look like they have much to offer, but in the near future they will do just what they were created to do.

Perhaps you are feeling the affects of winter. You feel like a barren tree, like you have nothing to offer or you’ve been forgotten. I want you to know that spring is coming. You are not forgotten. This dry and dormant season is a season of preparation for the great things waiting to spring forth from you. Don’t give up on your dreams, don’t give up on yourself, and don’t give up on God. Spring lingers near.

Joel 2:21 – 23
Fear not, my people; be glad now and rejoice, for He has done amazing things for you. Let the flocks and herds forget their hunger; the pastures will turn green again. The trees will bear their fruit; the fig trees and grapevines will flourish once more. Rejoice, O people of Jerusalem, rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rains He sends are tokens of forgiveness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as those of spring.