Springing Back to Life


 

These are wonderful days to walk. Everything springing back to life after a long dormant winter. This tree captured my attention because 90% of the plant seems dormant at best and dead at worst. Brittle, gray, twisted sticks - and then these brilliant flowers. It doesn’t seem possible that something so beautiful could coexist in such barrenness.
It brings to mind the flowers I have seen blooming in the desert, and the faith I have seen in people in the midst of the worst life can bring. I am amazed by both because they speak of the presence of God. They speak of the power at work constantly to bring new life to all creation. We can’t go by outward appearances alone. Any moment something new and powerful may burst free from the bleakness of circumstances and time. Any moment can be THE moment when hope comes and life returns.
Isaiah writes, “The wilderness and the desert will be glad, And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus.” When our lives feel desolate and dry like parched sands, we hold fast to the hope that refreshing rains will come and beauty will return. Like the blossoms on the tree, beauty is even greater because it shines against the emptiness that surrounds.
Peace.

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