Springtime is Here
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV)
Springtime. It is that wonderful time of year that makes me think of new beginnings. We move from somewhat cool (and this year rather rainy) winters to warm days full of sunshine. It is the time of year that we who live in Florida can truly enjoy the outdoors without the oppressing summer heat. I love the days I can open up the windows in the house and let fresh air fill the space. In Florida, sea turtle nesting begins. Baseball season begins. School ends. Spring break vacations abound. We remember Jesus’s death on the cross on Good Friday, then we celebrate His victory over death on Easter.
Sometimes I just sit in awe of the beauty God has placed around us. This past weekend, our family spent Sunday at SeaWorld. The weather was perfect – not too hot and not too cool. There was not a cloud in the sky. We had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating sea animals. The Lord made each one of these animals different and unique and how fun and amazing it was to spend time around them.
I admit I get caught up in the troubles of the world. I’m stressing the upcoming Presidential election. I have friends going through health issues. Our homeschool co-op planning for next year has begun and I’m trying to make as many people happy with co-op as possible. My daughter is struggling with friendships. Life isn’t perfect, but stopping to think about how blessed we are to celebrate a beautiful spring day sure does help deal a little better with the life stresses.
In the end, Springtime brings us our biggest hope when we celebrate Easter. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, He did a complete work for us. He said, “It is Finished.” He took our sins, our struggles, our inadequacies, and all our fears to the cross with Him. Just like the world may think it has victory over us, Satan thought he had victory finally over Jesus. But the story didn’t end there. Jesus not only took our punishment on the cross, He conquered death and rose again on the 3rd day.
We not only serve a God who creates amazing beauty, but we serve a God who loves us so very much that he sent his son to die on a cross for us and defeat death by rising again. I can’t think of a better time than on beautiful Spring days to reflect on the love the Father has for us. The troubles of this world will fade away, but the love of God, the work on the Cross, and his victory will last forever.
I pray you’ll be able to enjoy some beautiful spring weather wherever you live. Take some time to reflect on the upcoming Easter season and how Jesus’s victory means victory for you, as well!
What a refreshing reminder that God continually gives us hope. Thank you for sharing,
appreciate this.
Thank you for the reminder that Spring brings the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.