From Barren to Blooming

It's spring!  Well, not technically, but here in the upstate of South Carolina, it certainly seems like spring.  Not because of the weather, which can't seem to make up its mind what season it is, but because of the blooms.  It began last week with the daffodils, and then the cherry blossoms and then this week, unfortunately, the Bradford Pears (they make me sneeze!).  It seems like each day there's new life when the day before there was only dry, dead plants.  The grass is greener.  The trees are fuller.  And the ground is sprouting a variety of colors and fragrances.  Sounds like spring to me!

While this time of year does create havoc on my allergies, I can't help but love it.  I enjoy watching the earth bring forth new life.  I relish the birdsong.  I awake each morning and run to the window just to relish how the scenery has changed from the day before.  It amazes me.  One day, the trees can appear dull and lifeless, barren and unproductive.  But in the span of a single day, it all changes.  What once seemed dead now displays evidence of life.  What appeared unproductive is now bedecked in colorful buds and blossoms.  What seemed barren has produced life.  During the winter months, the trees appeared lifeless, and because of that, we seem to have forgotten that life still abides within.

I guess I enjoy the process of new life because it reminds me so much of the Christian walk.  Let's face it, there are spells where the journey seems fruitless.  We go through stages where our spirits feel dead, our hearts barren and our souls devoid of all hope.  During those times, each weary step is a struggle, and we tend to forget that, despite all outward appearances, life still abides on the inside.  The Holy Spirit dwells within, and while we're walking the Christian walk, He's working the work that only He can do.  And, as uncomfortable as it may seem, it is a work that must be done from the inside out.  But rest assured, in His time and His way, our hearts will begin to sprout new life.  Our souls will be renewed and revived.  Our spirits will bloom and blossom.  And something that once appeared barren will become instantly beautiful!