♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
It’s that time of year again when we clean up the garden, rake leaves, trim and cut grass, prune bushes, dig in the dirt, plant seeds, fertilize, put out pine straw and mulch, water and watch everything begin to grow. We clean off the undergrowth, trim off the dead limbs and either put them in a mulching area, bag them or pile them up to be carried away to the trash heap. What an amazing transformation begins to happen…leaves coming out, seemingly overnight, hosta, day lilies, iris are up; daffodils, forsythia and tulips are past while the azaleas are in full bloom. Seedlings are popping up and there’s new life and growth all around us.
The long winter is past and new life has begun. We have yearned for this time, new life, sunshine, renewal and springtime. This didn’t all come about magically. It was a process. We had to work at it. We had a plan. We made lists of things to do: plants and seeds to buy along with potting soil, mulch and pine straw.
So, that being said, the question arises, how is it with our spiritual gardens? Are we taking an inventory of what needs to be done? Do we need pruning here, cleaning out the overgrown parts there so that new growth and new life can sprout forth? Do we need fertilizing with God’s word coupled with prayer, meditation and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate our spiritual garden? Do we need a good spring rain of God’s love to pour over us and wash away the pollen of sin and status quo of our lives? Do we need a fresh touch of God’s grace, peace, mercy and hope?
How is it with you? How are you faring lately? You know that life as well as the church can be very fragile. We need the support of our families and God’s family. We need to love, be loved and nurture relationships. We need to care for others and ourselves so that when the call comes we can respond.
Will you join me today and in the days ahead and resolve within yourself to redouble your efforts to offer yourself anew to God right now, this day, at this very moment? Will you take that step and offer God’s love and radical Grace to help those hurting and in pain around you? There are people all around us that need a touch of God. You can be that person He needs today. Why not take time and ask Him to renew your strength so that you can touch those around you with His love?
Hymn of Promise
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn for every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
-Natalie Sleeth
Bless our spiritual gardens today, dear Lord and help us to bloom forth in ways we haven’t imagined before. Grant us your Grace, Peace and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
What a joy, serving along-side you. I remain, your friend… Mark David Jackson
