Springing Back to Life
“Arise my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come…”
(The Song of Solomon 2:10-12)
Some exciting things have been happening recently, things that have made my spirit dance. A few of the daffodils around our house have opened along with some crocuses, Joy and I heard the peepers for the first time this season, and just yesterday, we saw our first Osprey return to its nest. These are all signs another spring is here. By the calendar, spring or the vernal equinox, arrived over a week ago, but at times it certainly hasn’t “felt” like it! We still have stretches of days where the weather is cold, wet, raw, and gray. Often when I go outside, I still wear my winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves. That’s one reason why my heart feels lighter experiencing these visible signs that spring has returned.
At times, perhaps especially here on the Cape, Spring can be slow in coming. Winter just hangs on a bit longer than it does inland. I’m told this is because we’re surrounded by water, which takes longer than land to warm up (But also longer to cool down, which gives us the beautiful autumns we enjoy). During this time of year, I find myself almost aching to experience the signs of spring. When I do, I become excited the earth is “springing back to life” once again, and to a degree, I feel myself springing back to life with it.
What a great message for us as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection once again. Although the winters of our lives can be long, difficult, and drag on, new life returns. Mysteriously life crushed to the ground, like truth, rises again. Life finds a way to return. Perhaps the resurrection is a deeper reflection of what we’re starting to experience, how all that God has created and loves, eventually springs back to life.
The trees are budding, the leaves are returning, additional flowers will soon make an appearance, and the landscape will become full of beauty once again. Although we go through periods when we don’t always see these things, we know they’re coming. Our spirits lighten, and we rejoice when we see signs pointing to this truth. The resurrection is also a sign, pointing to the truth that death is not stronger than life. Our lives can be lifted along with Christ’s, for the resurrection shows us that life, not death has the final word. Regardless of how fragile life may be at times there is an incredible and mysterious resiliency to it. Beauty, wonder, and joy can return after struggle, disappointment and hardship. Winter is past. The flowers are about to appear on the earth. Christ is risen! Truly the time for singing has come.
Pastor John
