Springtime and winter have been wrestling lately in my corner of the world. One day, I’m layering on a sweater and scarf over my clothes and scraping ice from the windshield. The next, I’m stepping out of the house without a coat. Morning birdsong sounds louder and more urgent. This wrestling match takes place every year around this time, and the tussle goes on for weeks.

In the same way, there’s been a wrestling within me. Maybe you’ve felt the same. Winter isn’t the only thing I’m eager to bid farewell. It will be about more this year—a casting off of the weight of the past couple of years.

I am climbing my way out from under two years of uncertainty and stress surrounding the pandemic, political strife, and a general feeling of gloom that’s taken up residence in my spirit.

For no singly discernable reason, the past couple of months have felt especially heavy and stressful. I’m slowly coming out of it, like a bulb forcing its way up through the darkness of soil in early spring. A long dormancy cast off in favor of a beautiful new perspective.

The shift has begun, ushering hope in along with it. The journey isn’t over, and I have a long way to go before I blossom.

But there’s a beautiful truth—spring always prevails.

During the season of Lent, I begin a ritual of stepping back and quieting myself. Ditching digital distractions, I spend more time in God’s word and in His presence. Less time watching the news. More time guarding myself from information overload.

Even little shifts like rising a bit earlier and lingering longer in my secret place with God aren’t easy. I’m tired and would like more sleep. I’m distractible and scattered. It’s hard to be still.

Then I remember the little bulbs buried around the yard. Hidden treasures jam-packed with possibility and purpose. Without fail, their quiet time eventually gives way to renewal. We could take a lesson from them—learning to be quiet and letting the silence do its work.

Here are a few scriptures to encourage you as we begin the quiet transition to springtime and remember the enduring promises of God:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

Happy spring! May your new season be filled with hope and healing.

With Love and Gratitude,