Thank Goodness Spring is Stubborn

Of all the seasons, I feel like Spring is the most stubborn. So often, Spring is squeezed by March/April’s persistent cold and May/June’s sweat inducing humidity. Everyone loves the cotton sweater, color rebirth and green renewal of Spring, but taking ownership of her three month seasonal rhythm is challenging. Winter likes to hang around, and Summer tends to be a bit impatient. As I type, the world outside my kitchen window is covered with snow. Just days before Spring is due to officially begin, I feel like the biting chill outside is worthy of November. I don’t know about you, but snow in March feels especially cold, and the desire for light jackets in the warming winds is squelched by the continuing need for turtleneck shirts, wool scarves and boots. I’d personally like to have a chat with Winter and let her know it’s ok to let go for now. November will come around soon enough.

Although I’m weary by cold and chill, I’m encouraged by Spring’s determination. I just love her grit. I mean, as snow flurries continue to feel like they still own the skies, daffodils have begun to rise proudly from the ground. Apparently they didn’t get the memo that the ground is still too cold. Spring flowers seem to be a support group for one another defined by encouragement and will. Crocus, in their courageous leadership, inspire other flowers to grow upwards, and they do. The waft of hyacinth scent delights the noses of passersby; their pink or purple bright cluster of symmetrical blooms demand attention. And by the time we get to tulips, the seeds of Spring are sure.

And then there are the birds. Their heartening tweet of connecting songs prepare a new life with new nests crafted with buried twigs and thawing mud; all in preparation of eggs and new little chicks. All in all, Spring’s bold mission is to bring new life and color and growth to the world.

By the time you read this, Spring will have made her official entrance into our 2023 seasonal rhythm. I sure hope, on this Thursday morning, as you read this article, the winds outside your window feel a bit more balmy and welcoming than they do as I sit here typing and snuggled in a plethora of blankets. Yet, my guess is even now, we may not be completely done with snow. Each year at just about this time, my husband and I make a wager about whether or not it will snow in April. My bet is it will, and I win every time.

Spring is the perpetual wise guru of life and provides a promise. We all know the barren spaces and bitter winds of life. We also know the suffocating pressures when too much external heat threatens our breath. Life is hard and is steeped in seasons. Our challenge is to remember that no matter how stubborn our hard times can be, eventually something will grow somehow from the cold and hard ground of our hearts. All it takes is a few days of warm winds, and even the trees will begin to awaken. Conversely, we must not be deterred by threats of stifling breath. Spring reminds us to breathe deeply no matter what into newness and restoration.

Perhaps the sweetness of life is about the squeeze. Spring reminds us. Stay hopeful, stay present, and pay attention. Spring, in her confidence, will eventually triumph with hope.