Spring at the Door
By Cathy Loving of Independence, MO, USA
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright.
Praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody to God with the harp of ten strings.
Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all God’s work is done in faithfulness.
God loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. —Psalm 33:1–5 NRSV, adapted
Why does spring like to play a game of hide-and-seek? It peeks its head out with a few surprisingly pleasant days. Then winter pushes back—flexing its cold, dark, miserable muscles. Even spring has its dark side—plenty of pollen and gully-rushing rains. Right now I prefer shedding the winter coat as a trade-off for the dark side of spring.
It might be that when I seek the unknown, I am only escaping the present. That is probably not the best way to live. I know God prefers I live in the now, enjoying each surprise—whatever it is.
So with spring at the door, give me my allergy medicine and umbrella. I’m ready, God, for the now!
The Spring and I
By Peggy Michaels
Wild, sweet spring peeked at me from the roadside bushes,
Sometimes with a flash of yellow, a hint of green,
Or a brazen scarlet cluster.
Prayer for Peace
“O, Spirit that sends us spring, touch my dormant heart with a sudden act of love. Awaken it from winter’s slumber and dust off the musty thoughts of my mind. Renew me with the freshness and promise I just saw in the beauty of spring!” —Peggy Michaels
Spiritual Practice: Trees
Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will not dwell on past winters or dread the heat to come, but be alive to the moment and thankful for each breath.
