Easter’s Weather
By Rodney Colmus of Coleman, MI, USA
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. —Isaiah 65:17, 25 NRSV
Earth slowly wakes from winter’s long slumber
bringing forth wings, countless in number.
On early Sabbath’s rest, we come together
to worship you, Designer, for this Easter’s weather.
White Manna, you sent to Earth from heaven
this time the loaves have life-giving leaven.
Flakes lie on our shoulder, light as a feather
we thank you, Sustainer, for this Easter’s weather.
A melting white blanket unveils a rebirth
as sleeping seeds arise from the Earth
unfastened forever from life’s brief tether.
We praise you, Deliverer, for this Easter’s weather.
Prayer for Peace
Holy Designer, Sustainer, Deliverer, wake us from a time of death to new life. Help us let go of earthly comfort and reach out for untethered spirituality; to move from huddling by the fire to bold adventures of peacemaking.
Spiritual Practice: Spirit–Centered Balance
As you walk or drive today, notice the unlikely places where you see growth, life, color, and beauty. Review your daily schedule and habits. When and how do you attend to your spiritual center, and how does beauty “color” new life growing from that center? How do you balance intimacy with God’s Spirit with active ministries of discipleship? Prayerfully reflect and write about your need to learn “spirit-centered balance” that allows you to live as an oak of righteousness, a repairer of ruins in God’s world.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will look at the earth and imagine the seed below. I will pause to praise you for each new bud which brings forth new life.
