Well, there we are. Last week I wrote about a lovely spring day while today I write after the snow and rain of yesterday with a lowering sky outside daring me to try anything foolish, such as gardening. The transition from winter to spring can often see a few reverses.
One of the subtler signs of the transition is the emergence of green buds, almost imperceptible unless you are looking out for them. A smudge of green at the end of an otherwise wintry branch speaks to the imagination of sunshine, birdsong and long, light days.
And here we are, a week further into Lent and closer to the cross, but also to the empty tomb. As we reflect on our faith many of us will be conscious of reverses and darker days among the signs of spring. Wherever you are on the continuum from everlasting to everlasting never lose sight of the promise that spring will follow winter.
In his well-known hymn, God of grace and God of glory, Dr Fosdick wrote of the ancient Church’s story and prayed, ‘bring her bud to glorious flower’. The occasion was the opening of the, then, new Riverside Church in New York. In a world of challenges it is easy to lose sight of the hope and potential Have a look at number 682 in Singing the Faith and remind yourself that God promises light and not darkness, glory and a defeated grave.
A prayer
Lord God, we sometimes behave as though we are mad in our pride and self-obsession; give us the grace to submit ourselves to your glory: grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days. Amen.