Spring Always Reminds Me of Resurrection

Spring always reminds me of resurrection

As winter approaches, it seems like the world (well, at least Michigan) is a darker place – all the plants wither, lose their leaves and color, and some die. A cold spell sweeps the land for many months. It’s dark, cold, and can be very depressing.

Then, when all seems lost, a glimmer of hope arrives as the snow melts and blue irises begin peeking out of the cold dirt. These hopeful flowers seem to inspire other plants to sprout up, and soon bright green vegetation is emerging exponentially from the earth. The air becomes fragrant with the smell of the blossoms and blooming trees, birds chirp through the air, and small animals run around rambunctiously after their long winter naps. What was dead has now come back to life.

Like the cycles of death and resurrection in the seasons, we experience these patterns in our own lives as Christians. Consider what the following verses have to say about this pattern.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5)

This year, as spring arrives once again, remember that the beauty of this season is also reflected in you. Surrendering all to God and dying to oneself results in a beautiful resurrection and restoration that only God can bring about. It is my prayer that your life will be like the first blue irises of spring – peeking out of the soil into a world that needs hope, a fresh start, resurrection – a world that needs spring.

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Does the Caterpillar Know?

Does the caterpillar know

When she must build a cocoon?

Does she know that she

Will one day be transformed?

 

Even if she does not know

Her instinct tells her what to do:

Build this cage to protect yourself

It’ll make you beautiful.

 

This time in a caterpillar’s life

Is just seen as a stage

Something she must go through

So that life may go on.

 

There are times in our lives

Where walls must be built

To protect who we are already

And to give us a safe place to grow.

 

Do not be discouraged

When you feel trapped or held back.

God has a purpose for this time

You’ll understand when you’re through.

 

From my first trip to Peru in 2009, my life has been an almost constant adventure. Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Kansas, Montana, Minnesota, California, Nevada, Colorado… Traveling and experiencing new things is a passion of mine, so having a full time corporate job in Grand Rapids, MI doesn’t quite match up to my dreams. But, besides the fact that having this job is a necessary step to start paying off my loans, God has been using this time to begin building walls around me – walls of protection and growth. Walls that will allow me to be transformed and bring clarity to what God has for me, and who I am in Christ. I wrote this poem a few weeks ago while at work, and I think I said it perfectly. I’ll understand this time when I’m through.