The Hope of Springtime

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:1

As I read this passage in John’s Gospel I ask myself that in these days how could our hearts not be troubled? Our lives have been turned upside down and round and round. Some of us are alone, some of us with family and some taking care of elderly parents. Some of us are working and many are not. Some of us are remaining sane and still others are falling apart. How could our hearts not be troubled? Jesus tells us he is preparing dwelling places for us and to not worry and trust in him. But we are an impatient people! We want to know now what is our path ahead!

The other night I watched a tv segment on what has been gained in this pandemic. They say that pollution is down; dimmed city lights allow for more stars to be seen; decreased car and human traffic brings nature closer to us as deer and other wildlife walk our empty streets; and decreased noise has allowed us to hear the birds once more outside our windows. Soon May flowers will be in bloom to remind us even in the darkest of winters there is always a rebirth of life, beauty and song once more.

We may not know what tomorrow or the nest weeks or months will bring but Jesus and his Father invite us to their dwelling place on earth—into the wonders of the earth herself. Nature is calling us to have hope. The birds sing songs of hope while flowers burst forth in beauty and each dawn the sun rises in splendor. Let the unchanging beauty and hope of springtime be your anchor and your dwelling place and let your hearts not be troubled. God is with us.

Peace be with you, Holly