~The Hope of Spring~

This is such a beautiful time of year for so many reasons.  We went through the cold , cruel and "dead" winter months. Long and gloomy days bundled up inside the house. Now, the weather is warming up, we are shedding the winter clothes and getting outdoors more to take in the refreshing spring air! People walk their dogs more, ride bikes with their kids, tend to their yards and gardens, talk to neighbors, take walks as a family and play at the playground. Everyone seems to have a bit of a "spring" in their step. I know that our family tries to get outside as much as possible on these gorgeous days. One advantage of home schooling is that we can put school off until later and just enjoy every sunny beautiful day together as a family! Before the weather turns too hot and it's almost too much to stay outdoors for more then a few hours. I thank God so much for Spring!

Jesus' death and His resurrection are also something we Christians celebrate this time of year. This is perhaps the most important holiday followers of Jesus celebrate because it is the entire message and reason of our hope and belief in Him. And it is so very fitting that it is celebrated in the season of Spring. Christ's death for those 3 days was like the winter months. Dark, sad, lonely, gloomy.....a period of mourning and loss and staying "inside". Similar feelings to what winter can bring to many. His death, was a barren time for those that loved him. But then, in just a few days....He rose to life once again!  And not the same life He had before..but a "new" life! Those that saw Him , that spent that time with Him  before he ascended to heaven, I am sure that was a Spring like season for them. And it is for us!  When we celebrate not only His dying on the cross for us, for our sins, but also and  most importantly His resurrection....we are entering into the Spring season with Him. New  life, refreshing warmth and hope as the winter fades and the sun shines more and more. And refreshing warmth and hope at His rising to life that He truly IS the Messiah , God's Son, sent to save the world from sin and bring us into an everlasting relationship with Him. The fact that He not only died (winter) but then God rose Him in 3 days (spring) proves He is who He said He is....and that there is a glorious hope for us in following, loving and believing in Yeshua. He ascended into heaven and He said he would make a place for us in His Fathers house and He would come back one day to get us and take us home with Him....this is the essence of EASTER and the message of Spring! As you walk outside with your family, as you tend to your garden and observe the beautiful new flowers pushing through the dirt...and all the green that is coming back to this "dead, cold" world blossoming from winter...think of Jesus. Think about His sacrifice for you and me on the cross...and then His resurrection 3 short days later that gives us a new life, new hope, warmth and refreshment! The new flowers coming through...like Jesus rising from the dead and giving us a hope, a hope that there is more to this life and that there is beauty after the long , cold, dreary days of "winter". There is hope....thank you Jesus!

Happy Spring Everyone!!!