Looking for life

“It’s Fring! I hear the birds!”

That’s what I heard my three-year-old daughter exclaim the other day as she awakened and started her busy day. (She can’t quite say spring, but that’s OK, because fring is just so sweet.)

Spring really is my favorite time of year. Don’t get me wrong. Each season has its advantages. But only in spring can you find that shade of green that is impossible to re-create. Spring always gives us something special to look forward to.

Growing up in the South, I have many memories related to spring. I think of the red spider lillies that popped up practically overnight every spring all along our sidewalk — sometimes peeking through a shallow layer of snow. I remember the Japanese Magnolia tree that always seemed to bloom, as if only to let us know a late freeze was just a couple days away. And, of course, perhaps my favorite sight of spring — the hills behind the house dotted generously with fresh white blossoms of the dogwood. There’s just nothing else like it in the whole world!

What is it about springtime that makes it so engaging — so absolutely exhilarating? I think it has to do with the fact that we are drawn to things that are living. And spring bears a constant reminder of new life.

Where are you looking for life this spring? Perhaps you’ll find roly-polies under the woodpiles. . .or chipmunks on the fence. Maybe you’ll find life in the return of a favorite plant — or, in my wife’s case, the majesty of the brilliant but delicate tulips. Even better, maybe you’ll find life in a renewed friendship. . .a warm smile. . .or an opportunity to serve someone.

Whatever the case may be for you, I hope that one thing is true: that people will find life when they look at you! If you belong to Christ, then that should be a given.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

Father, may the life of your Son permeate every inch of my body as I know You more and make You known. Fill me with the fresh fragrance of Your love, and radiate Your light through my words and actions each day. Thank you for making me a new creation. In Jesus’ name, amen.