Springing Into the New

 

I know spring arrived on the calendar a while ago, but where we live, the world outside our windows just caught up to spring. We’ve had a grand time watching to see what would appear in the landscaping and the other day, I found a little family of geese swimming by the pier. The tree branches are hidden by fresh green leaves, and one of our neighbors has a tree that is about to explode in pink blossoms.

            We’ve been taking evening walks as often as time and weather allow, and it’s been a joy to not have to worry about piling on coats, hats, and gloves just to take a stroll.

            Just like the world is catching up with the calendar, I also feel like I’m just catching up with spring in a life sense. My heart and mind have been looking toward new things, and this week I made the connection that the reality of spring doesn’t always match the timing we expect for it. It’s true of the earth, and it can certainly be true of life.

            Last night I sat down to begin filling in the blanks on my new day planner (my planners start in June, not January) and my soul was so happy seeing all the stickers and color coding applied to the pages. That’s one reason I prefer a summer start to a planner, rather than a January start. By mid-year, I’m ready for something to feel new, and I accomplish it with a planner. And even though we’re still over a month away from that date, the events are already filling in, and I’m filled with excitement for the things to come. New experiences, repeated experiences…all of it.

            I also got my new library card yesterday and had such fun taking a tour of the library, learning which books live where, and making mental notes of virtual trips I might want to take in the pages of books this summer. (I fear I’m going to derail my reading challenge – eeek!) I’m also excited that the librarian is my real-life friend from my college days, so it’s extra fun to go see her and catch up when I go visit.

            I’ve been prayer-journaling about things in my heart that need a refresh, and even though sometimes that kind of growth is painful, it’s necessary, and I really do welcome it. I want to learn the lessons God has for me, even when I don’t understand what is going on in some scenarios. I want to grow and deepen in my faith and walk with Him.

            Spring is here. Spring is here outside and it’s here in my heart. I’m excited to move forward, one day at a time, with a fresh hope in my soul, trusting the Lord to lead the way!

            And if you’re in need of a spring, too, it’s not too late. We’re not too close to a calendar summer to still find spring!