For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land (Song of Solomon 2:11-12).

Spring is a time of renewal, when everything is bright and fresh. I look forward to it every year, and even more so this year. As I write this, the ongoing pandemic is hopefully easing due to the vaccine rollout. The long, hard, dreary winter, which started here in Oklahoma with a historic ice storm at the end of October and ended with a historic snowstorm in February, has given way to sixty-degree days and lots of sunshine.

Each spring, I plant bulbs, seeds, and flowers and watch things grow. I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of the season: the lush green grass, the budding trees, and the vibrant colors of the flowers. Yellow crocuses peek out from the dry, thirsty ground with no help from me. My rose bushes are awakening to the warmth of the new season.

Sometimes, I feel a lot like those crocuses: peeking my head up out of the ground, ready to start afresh as a new season in life begins. We may experience a few more days of winter yet—Oklahoma weather is nothing if not unpredictable, much like life. And spring brings its own challenges. Tornadoes are a real threat here in Oklahoma, as is another resurgence of COVID until we know more and can finally get the pandemic under control.

Just as we leave behind the difficult winter season, we can leave behind our old lives each day and live for the Lord. By praying and reading his Word, our eyes will be opened to the opportunities around us, and our lives will show the growth that he brings.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the new life you bring and for the warmer temperatures and bright, sunny days. As a new season begins, show us how to live for you and make the most of the opportunities you give us. Amen.