Thawing out

Recently my beloved bride, my grand boy and I found it warm enough to go for a walk on a path along the Mississippi River. Such outings are long anticipated. Winters are harsh in this part of the mid west. Sometimes it feels as if winter will never leave. But spring always comes.

Bettendorf, Iowa is right on the river. Its a pretty place any time of the year. In the winter, hundreds of bald eagles fish the icy waters. In the spring, pelicans rest here on their northern migration. Summer brings the barge traffic and river cruises. This is a great place to live. The people are friendly an down-to-earth.

When God moved us here five years ago, I had no idea what He was doing. I must confess, I spent too much time trying to figure it out. The battles we endured before and after we came here had left many deep wounds. Some are still healing. But spring always comes.

I have learned that, if we are not careful, sorrow, grief, despair, can become a comfortable place. We huddle up in our personal valley and lick our wounds, while becoming more and more focused on our own pitty. We can come to feel quite at home in our depression or worse, our bitterness. It takes time for the coldness of a bitter heart to pass. But spring always comes.

Yes spring always comes. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."(Psalm 30:5) I have lived through some terrible winters here. We have all lived through winter seasons in our lives, but spring always comes. I am ready for spring. I am ready for warm air, green plants and sunshine. I believe we are coming into a new season. I am encouraged...

...because spring always comes.

Just a thought. Thank you for reading.