“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone, flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”
I have always liked the verse from the Song of Songs which captures the hope and promise of the season. Of course, my mind automatically does some translating to make the words fit spring in New Hampshire. “See! The winter is past; the snow is over and gone, buds of flowers begin to appear, the season of singing has come, the dulcet sound of the peepers is heard in our land.”
As I listened to the little frogs last night, I remembered getting the letter from friends in Maryland a month ago with lyrical descriptions of flowers in bloom while I listened to weather reports of possible snow, and looked at the colorful blooms of frost heave signs beside the road. (A neighbor of mine used to call the bright pink frost heave signs “the first blooms of spring.”) Whether heralded by melting snow or proclaimed by fragrant blossoms, the coming of spring touches something rich deep within us.
Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken, and the earth seems to come to life again. Farmers and gardeners plant seeds and temperatures slowly rise. Winter coats are shed by those who wore them, and some animals (and some people) change the color of coats to fit the new surroundings. The timing of the changes varies depending upon the location, but the promise of spring is always fresh.
In the coming days and weeks, I hope you will be alert for the signs of new life within you and within our church. It is spring; enjoy watching and participating in the new life God helps to grow during this season.
Faithfully,
Art Urie, Interim Minister