Autumn has always been my favourite season... crunchy leaves, cosy nights, hot chocolate in the warmth while the rain patters outside, the golden hues and rainbow leaves, the crisp fresh air and cold sunshine.
But over the last few years, the springtime has become particularly precious to me. Strange, in a sense... for us the springtimes of the last few years are ridden with difficult memories... sick babies, pregnancy fears, separation from my children, traumatic births. And yet somehow in the midst of all that... the warming air, the scent of spring draws me back to remember the sweetest kind of communion with the Lord. Sights and sounds and smells so closely linked with cherished memories of dependency, and heartache, and trust... and the beauty of God's faithfulness.
It seems appropriate that it should be the spring that holds these emotions for me... spring life after the death of winter... hope of new beginnings, fresh starts... the promise of Easter. Light after darkness, sunshine after rain.
Hope ever new.
This season will be forever precious to me now. And I'm praying that this springtime, my heart will be drawn anew to the Saviour who has so carefully and beautifully carried us through these past few years... carried us through on the assurance of his sovereignty, his redemptive love and his promise that all that we endure is for our good, and his glory.
In all the uncertainties of this springtime, and the summers, autumns and winters ahead, I am so thankful for the hope of springtime, and the daily reminders of God's gracious love for us... budding, and germinating, growing and flourishing. He will do his work, and He will do it well.
Beautiful Claire. Spring has had some difficult memories for us too over the past two years but this years has been different so far and I’ll always be grateful for that. xx
ReplyDeleteIt always feels such a mix of emotions, doesn't it? Those old emotions threaten to pull me down, but the beauty of spring is that there is always hope! Still think of you often friend xxx
Deletei am thankful to you for always being so positive when you write and it really shines out how strong your faith is and your love of your beautiful family, May is a month of mixed emotions for me my mother's birthday and when she died too for the joy of Nathan and Zachary both born in May so a bit of bitter/sweet feelings
ReplyDeleteThe highs and the lows! Our springtime is similar. Thank you so much for your encouraging words Lesley xxx
DeleteLovely words Claire, I love Spring time, but I really struggle with Autumn. Memories of loss, the shorter days and worsening weather. I would love to hibernate if I could! But the more difficult times help me to appreciate and be more thankful for the better times.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny how everyone has different seasons which they love, and often I think the hard seasons are the remnants of difficult memories. So lovely to discover you have a blog too!!
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