AND SPRING SHALL COME

“For everything here is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1a)

Do any of you have a godly mother for whom you are grateful? I do.

My mother, Joyce Rogers, is now 92 years young. For years she has read a little book to me entitled "And Spring Shall Come" on this first day of Spring...March 20th. She is now past her "springtime" and so today I called and read it to her.

In her honor, I typed it out for you to read and think about the long "winter" in your life. I pray this will remind you that your "Spring shall come!"

Mother inscribed these words in the introduction to this precious book when she gave it to me many years ago:

"To my precious daughter, Gayle, May this little book, which is my favorite book 'in its category,' be used to assure you that in whatever 'winter circumstances' you find yourself, that 'spring SHALL come.'

Jesus is your Beloved who wills that spring into your life--never fail to trust and hope in Him. Put Him first in your life!

I love you dearly! Mama"

I wish you could see the beautiful illustrations in this book by Dean Walley. There couldn't be a more beautiful description of hope in the midst of this worldwide crisis than the promise of a spiritual springtime.

Here it is:

"Snow sculptures the rough contours of the land in cold perfection...and spikes of ice, like frozen tears, cling to stark black branches...as the earth sleeps through the white silence of winter.

But beneath the ermine robes of snow beats the heart of spring. For there are sleeping seeds dreaming below the drifts...filled with life...waiting for the warm winds and the strong sun.

Little packets of life cling to the barren branches of trees. And all the animals are content in their hiding places...knowing that spring shall come.

And so it is, in our own hearts...when we are lost in a winter of discontent or loneliness or sorrow...our spring shall come. And faith lives on within us, strong and unyielding...waiting for the moment of glad renewal...when our spring shall come...to bring us joy!

When the season of life and light blows gently over the winter world...and smiles shyly in the gleam of every sunbeam...all of nature responds to spring's whispered hellos...saucy jonquils pop up through the melting snow...jack-in-the-pulpits dot the forest floor, proclaiming the advent of spring...and sparkling brooks rush down the valleys...eager to tell the world that spring has come at last!

Our spring shall also come...slowly, but with the certainty of sunrise...to every winter-weary heart. It begins with a touch...a smile...a warm word of understanding...and the seeds of hope grow out of the darkness of our lives...and reach for the sun.

Our faith is full and beautiful once more...as perfect as a flower.

And the joy within us streams out...as vibrant...and harmonious...as the colorful patterns woven by butterflies and wildflowers.

Spring is the time of wonder and rebirth...the first day of the world...when the very air is heavy with fragrance. The sun fills up the day and spills over into the evening...and at night even the ancient stars seem new.

It is the time of love and laughter...golden with happiness...the first day of the rest of our lives. For after winter, spring shall come...and the mysterious force...that touches the seed...the leaf...the opening petals...touches our hearts, as well."

Find the tab for: "Gift from Gayle" to see how you can get one of those "Lord, I am coming" mugs for yourself.