Spring may not begin until March, but as the days get longer and the weather becomes a little milder, we can begin to look forward to the dormant winter months giving way to new growth. Times and seasons are set by God, who works all things together towards the final fulfilment of his purposes. We are reminded in Romans 8 vs 28 “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Spring is a time for new growth. “See! The winter is passed; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me”. Song of Songs Ch 2 vs 11-13.
Where are you noticing a springtime in your faith journey?
It is delightful to see the shift in the seasons in the rectory garden. Buds are forming, snowdrops are appearing and even the fritillaries we planted are showing signs of life. Early signs that spring is coming, a new season of fruitfulness and joy. Perhaps it is a little premature to declare Spring is here, but we will soon begin our Lenten journey, which brought to mind this poem by Ruth Burgess:
Spring
Bless to us, O God, the fragility of snowdrops, the blossoming of orchards, the dancing of bees.
Bless to us, O God, the wriggling of tadpoles, the shedding of Damart, the lengthening of days
Bless to us, O God, the smudge of ashes, the Lenten journey, the blazing Easter fire.
Bless and silence us with wonder, O God of hope and justice. Gift us with courage. Warm and quicken us with love.It is an absolute joy to celebrate the liturgical seasons here in St Bartholomew’s and to create new orders of service to celebrate our journey through the Christian year. As we move together from the season of Christmas to begin our journey towards Lent and Easter, let us continue to embrace all that God would have us discover and notice. May we have eyes and ears open to all that God would show us in a season of new growth. Many blessings,
Andrea
