It smelled like spring today

I get fussy about the weather here in central Illinois sometimes. Hot humid summers, cold winters without enough snow to have fun in, and rainy springs and autumns with too few beautiful mild days.

Today was so nice. The temperature was in the 60s and I got the rare opportunity to take a walk almost alone. Eleanor was in her stroller, but she doesn't say much, so I had some quiet time to think and pray and enjoy the afternoon.

The air smell positively green today. Do you know what I mean? That moist, earthy scent in the air when the world is waking up...I love that smell.

There were signs of spring everywhere. I saw tulips and jonquils popping up through the ground and heard a choir of birds in the trees. I caught my breath when I noticed a huge maple with branches loaded with buds so big I thought leaves might burst out at any moment. Just like the dwarf told the witch, "This is no thaw, this is Spring!"

As I delighted in the sights and smells and my solitude, I considered that living here is really a blessing. There is something soothing in the rythym of the seasons. Creation provides such beautiful metaphors for our lives and our faith. After the cold and death of winter comes new life, spring, the hope of eternal life. I am grateful to live where I can experience the patterns of the seasons. I am grateful to God who shows us His mercies in every detail of His creation.

"As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seeds for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's' renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Isaiah 55:11-13.