This year, it feels as if spring has been a long time coming. We shivered in our winter coats through March and well into April. When the warm days finally arrived, Mother Nature caught up quickly. One day, the trees were in bud. The next day, fresh green leaves greeted us as we walked by.
In my backyard, my dying tree came to life. Once again, it is resplendent in its spring finery. For sure, one more thick branch is bare. It did not make it through the winter, but that last third of the once-strong, vibrant maple tree is amazing. Its healthy green leaves whisper in the morning breeze. It offers shelter to the birds that grace our feeders.
This morning, my tree speaks to me with wisdom. “Never Give Up! You have work to do.” We all need that wisdom today. We need to hear the words, see the examples, and live them, just like my tree and all of Creation. Each year, spring arrives, whether or not the weather provides obstacles or smooth sailing. Regardless, new life comes – new life, full of potential and beauty.
Yesterday, I attended a conference for United Church Women in Brockville. The theme for the day was “The Joy of the Lord is our strength. We gathered to celebrate, to laugh, to renew friendships, to express our JOY in our calling as women of the United Church.
Women came to my book table to thank me for my writing They spoke about their joy in using my worship resources, reading my novels, and my short stories. They also came to purchase my books to give away as gifts, especially the children’s books. Their kind words told me, “Never give up. You still have stories to tell.” Yesterday brought me JOY.
The news media tells us that JOY in our world is under assault. Violence, war, greed, and lust for power are rampant. Some of our hard-won advances in acceptance and love for others are disappearing.
Yesterday I heard a different message. I experienced a thirst for love, acceptance, relationship, not just for my message of a loving God, but for goodness and JOY in this world. As we shared our stories of ministries of love in our home churches, I was reminded that kindness, goodness and caring are happening in our world today. We don’t have to accept the doom and gloom of the world’s news. Like my tree, it is not yet time for us to lay down and die. We need not be defeated.
Once again, I heard God’s message, “Never give up loving my beautiful world. You’re not finished yet. Spread the message, live the message, God loves us all, ALL. New life will come. New life is coming each and every day.