First came the annual time change festivities, the routine: fall-back and spring-ahead. In basketball, it is March madness. Christians are deep into the Lenten season. For most of my life, I lived in the part of the world where there were four distinct seasons, which periodically would all visit on the same day. I now live where seasons do change, just not as dramatically and noticeably. Springtime is a welcome reprieve from a long cold winter. The season is one of hope. It reminds us that a day of light, warmth, and renewal is coming out of winter’s dark and dreary days.
James writes: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. —James 5:7″
Waiting seems to be a theme presented throughout Scripture. The seasons coming and going remind us of a few things:
- The times we live in are seasonal. Though it often seems that we are stuck and nothing is happening, the seasons speak of constant change and movement. There have been times when I felt I was stuck in a difficult place, only to look back a year later and realize that the trial was only for a season
- Seasons remind us of the need for patience. James reminds us of the need for patience regarding the coming of the Lord and uses season to illustrate the truth. Patience is needed in most circumstances in which we find ourselves. James uses a farmer to remind us that they prepare the ground, sow, weed, etc. They must wait patiently for the spring and autumn rains. I, too, have spent much time waiting for things to change, get better, improve, and so on. Patience is developed in times of waiting.
- Seasons come and go, but we must live today. Too often, we are awaiting the next season of our life. When we are young, we cannot wait until we can drive. In high school, we cannot wait until we are in college. In college, we cannot wait to land our first real job. When we graduate and have a good job, we cannot wait until we are married and have a family. When our child is born, we cannot wait until they can walk and talk. We cannot wait until we have grandchildren. We cannot wait until we retire. Suddenly, we realize one day that we were anticipating the next stage of life and never enjoyed or savored the days we were living our lives!
Yes, spring is here, the promise delivered by the blooming crocus that despite the frost and snow, new life pushes out of the dark, dreary cold to remind us that there is new life and hope even on a chilly day.
Regardless of what is transpiring in your life today. It is spring, the season of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He lives we too shall live! Take a couple of days and look around and take in all the sights and sounds of today instead of anticipating what will happen. Pause and be thankful that you are alive and be thankful for the small blessings that are often overlooked, and stop to give thanks.
It is spring, but for believers, every day is a day to Praise the Lord and give Thanks!
