Spring, It's Only 4 Days Away!

My Rose of Sharon bush dormant for the winter.

I can't wait to see its beautiful blooms again!

I've always enjoyed living in Indiana where the seasons change; and, I've always enjoyed winter--and wished for lots of snow--ever since I was a child.

I'm, you know, the one who says "bring it on" when the weatherman predicts doom and gloom for an upcoming winter storm or blizzard.

Yes, I've always been one of 'those' people.  The crazies who sing the praises of winter weather.  I've never really felt a sense of despise for or disgust over it.

UNTIL . . . that is . . . until, this year!

For some reason this winter has felt like an eternity, to me.  It has crept by and dumped record amounts of snow, across the region.

Snow that normally, I would have welcomed with open mouth and shovel in hand.

This winter, when another winter storm was predicted, I was not a happy camper.

I actually felt disgust over the thought of more snow falling, of putting another layer of clothing on, of shoveling the sidewalks yet again, of scraping another windshield; and over the thought of having to leave earlier than I had to, to be on time.

{Side note:  I know that I had a bad attitude, that I live in Indiana, that I shouldn't complain and that I should be thankful for each day.}

BUT. . .

This year, I am so over winter; and I'm so glad to see the weather trending towards Spring.  It's heading in the right direction and that's a good thing.

Especially, since Spring is right around the corner.  Literally, it's just 4 days away.

Snow on the Mountain and walnut shell in my front yard.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." ~ Matthew 5:8

Yes!  Spring will be here next Monday!

I'm not quite sure why, exactly, I have despised winter so much this year.  I just know I have.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older or maybe it's because my kids are older and they don't get as excited over the snow as they used too.  Maybe it's because I've been tired or maybe I'm just changing and didn't realize it.

Whatever it is, I'm ready for the change of seasons.

I'm ready for winter to quietly fade away and for everything to awaken from its long winter's nap.

My lilac bush is coming to life.  These buds are proof of it.

Springtime is a beautiful time of year.

It fills me up with thoughts of sunshine, vibrant colors, fragrant air and Jesus.  Of rebirth and renewal.  Of beginning again and making fresh starts--new plans, new adventures to be had.

Despite my longing for the change of seasons, there is one thing I enjoyed this winter.  It's the same thing I enjoy every winter. . . and. . . there is a first for every season. . .

Like the anticipation of the first crocuses or daffodils, bravely popping their heads through the snow.  Like biting into the first sun drenched tomato, straight from a summer harvest or the first leaves to change color, with an approaching autumn.

In winter, I enjoy the first flakes of snow.  Each silent, pristinely white flake--no two alike--falling gracefully to the ground.

I can't deny it.  Like a child, I enjoyed those first magical moments of winter, even still, this year.  Just like I'll enjoy the first magical moments of Spring, teaming with life.

Those moments when flowers burst forth from the ground to spread their leaves and open their petals, stretching towards the sun.  When the trees, heavy laden with buds, unfold to clothe themselves in green.

Daffodils in my backyard.

The earth comes to life again; and signs of spring are everywhere to be found.

As I think further on the changing season, I think its beauty wanes and the winter season drags on--by design.  I think God made it that way for a reason.

The reason being, so we--when we are so over winter--are ready to embrace the Spring.  Ready to truly delight in its arrival, with thirsty eyes eager to drink in its beauty.  To appreciate all that God has done.

These are the things I think of at winter's end and spring's beginning.