The ebb and flow of spring in Michiana seems to be giving way to summer-like conditions for the time being.  It is mid-May in Michiana, so enjoy it while it lasts . . . it could be winter-like conditions at any time.

 It is amazing how much things change at this time of year in the time span of only a week or two.  The woods outside my office is a thick green . . . you really can’t see into it.  Just a couple of weeks ago, it was bare and open.  Deer would wander through the woods and be quite visible from my office.  Blossoms that had begun to appear are now either done blooming or hidden by the dense foilage of the trees and brush.  It is easily apparent which trees have life and which ones no longer do.  They are not all growing at the same rate or even exhibiting signs of life at the same time or in equal measure.  Yet growth is apparent in that which is living.  A couple of weeks ago, I was in the mountains and plains of Idaho and Utah.  It was amazing to be able to walk from the heat of summer into a spring meadow then into winter conditions – sinking into snow over my knees – all within a two hour hike. 

It kind of reminds me of life and of me.  Seasons come and seasons go, both in nature and in life, but do I really stop and appreciate each one.  For many people, both in nature and in life, spring is the easy season to enjoy and appreciate.  The life, the beauty, the growth, the energy, the tranquility – the things that make spring such a peaceful and pleasant season – cause us to do everything possible to hasten its arrival and delay its departure.  Yet those very traits are not possible without a winter’s rest . . . a winter’s nourishment.  I can’t imagine living in an area that lacks the four clear seasons that northern Indiana has.  They help me to see and understand life.  I appreciate winter because I love spring.  Yes, I often think that winter could be shorter, milder, nicer, even more gentle.  But not so short, mild, nice, or gentle that spring fails to appear so beautiful.

The “winter” times of our life serve to highlight the “spring” times where we experience growth, vitality, energy, and change.  This isn’t strictly an age thing as much as it is a spirit and soul thing.  If it is going to continue to grow and mature, the 100 year old tree needs spring just as much as the 10 year old tree.  God has called us all to a life of growing maturity through Christ Jesus.  Is the vitality of spring present within you as you daily experience a renewed life with God’s Spirit living in you?