So many seasons!

When I was young, I measured time in how many fingers I got to hold up, one year or grade at a time.  A bit older, and time began to be measured in events that I could look back on or look forward to.  As an older person, I find myself measuring time as seasons.  There are seasons of preparation, seasons of waiting, seasons of activity, seasons of loss, etc.  In each season I discover something new about myself, the world around me, and the God I believe in.

In North America, the season of spring I here!  The birds are singing and building nests.  The flowers and weeds are flourishing after a winter of abundant rainfall.  Every season should be one of discovery, but especially spring.

Easter is only a week away, and with it comes an opportune time to think about the contrast between winter and spring.  I love the tradition of beginning an Easter service with a bare wooden cross, covered with chicken wire.  By the end of the service, the barren cross is covered with spring flowers and greenery.  Another season of hope awaits us.

Here is a picture of such a cross.  (I regret that I only have a black and white photo!)  May your seasons always end with hope!