The lonely and tiring season drags on but is there something we can reflect on in the gray and rain? What can we learn through the transition from winter to spring and what can we do with these thoughts and feelings of yearning?
O Lord, help!
Winter prevails - cold, rainy, wet, gray.
The habitual checking of forecasts
comes with constant dismay at the results.
Fenders, more gray, jackets, and layers
create a longing to keep hibernating
mixed with a desire for sun, color, warmth,
not given or received.
The lonely and tiresome season drags on.
Yet we start to see
winter and spring begin their overlap.
The contrast of new life
shines brightly against the life-less winter.
Bright greens come back
that have been gone for months,
mixed with pastel perfect white,
pink, yellows and purples
that have been absent for a year.
The sun bursts through -
glorious heavenly rays
piercing grayed rain-thick clouds.
You give us hope
and we’re embarrassed to admit
that we often forget there’s hope.
Then we’re surprised to feel
happier, brighter, kinder, nicer
with something as simple as a little sunshine.
Remind us of your goodness.
Stop us in our tracks.
Slow us down enough to suspect a sprout,
reflect on the precision design of bud,
contemplate colors of new creation.
Winter will inevitably come to an end
and spring will come.
Thank you
not just for signs of spring,
but for the rest and rejuvenation
given to us and your creation through winter.