Dear friends, I have been reflecting upon the springtime, and how within this season, there is such truth about life with Jesus.  He is always about work in us, though it is not always visible.  He is always bringing about new life, though it is not always felt.  He is always near, though his presence is not always perceived.  And yet, the springtime reminds us that He always brings it about.  Even in seasons where He does not seem near or present, even in seasons where new life seems buried deep beneath the soil, even in seasons where all that we feel is the brokenness and aching of our raw hearts, the springtime is here and is now, because the Kingdom of Heaven is a springtime ever anew.  I pray this little poem, which captures this reflection upon the spring, might bless you and lead you into dialogue with the One who has made you.

[a poem] there is resurrection here.

there is resurrection here,

in the soil beneath our feet,

as the seeds laid long ago

let life spring forth to the surface.

what was hidden is now seen,

what was in darkness is now in light,

what was mere seed is now in bloom.

driving along these asphalt roads,

i find my heart in rhythm with the springtime.

surrounded by the new life as

flowers open up my eyes and 

sunshine bathes my skin.

the promise he made so long ago

is tangibly felt in this season.

it happens every year:

the colors change and the world dies

and we wait in dark, gloomy days,

forgetting that he always brings the spring.

but he always brings the spring.

every single time, every single year

march and april and may he calls it forth:

the kingdom is now and oh, so near.

the wildflowers whisper:

he will do this for you, too.

do you forget, my love?

do you forget that i make it all new?

that i redeem the smallest thing?

that i see your need and ache?

i always fill!  

i am mercy and love and beauty!

i am goodness and truth!

i am the way!

oh, why do you doubt me?

i have been faithful from the beginning of the age.

i have died and risen for you.

would you let me speak it deeper?

would you let me speak it new?

i am faithful,

and even still, i am true.

sink your feet into the soil and

call your eyes to wonder and 

let your ears hear it.

there is a new song and 

i am the one singing it.

it is all for you—

surely you must know: it is all for you.

new life is beginning,

close your eyes and feel it from within.

-snh