Springtime in Don Pedro is incredible, it seems as though nature is putting on a concert, and art exhibit, and a commercial for a deluxe vacation all at the same time. The beauty surrounding us is stunning, the temperature is perfect, and everything seems to be overflowing with life. Early mornings on my back deck are spectacular, just birds singing, the smell of fresh cut grass, the blossoms of poppies, wildflowers, and fruit trees slowly waking up and getting out of bed, warm sunshine peaking over the horizon. It doesn’t matter if you love going on walks and hikes, ride your bicycle, hop on your Harley, drive with the top down, go fishing, do some gardening, hit the golf balls, barbeque, ride horses, or play horse shoes, this seems to be the perfect time for it all.There are other things about spring that we are wise to notice:
- Spring is about planting, reproducing, thinking ahead. “A man reaps what he sows” Galatians 6:7 (NIV).
- Spring invites us to live to the glory of God. “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples” John 15:8 (HCSB). “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created” Revelation 4:11 (HCSB).
- Spring is about growing. “…, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen” 2 Peter 3:18 (NLT).
- Spring is about praising God and His Son Jesus Christ. The birds do, the flowers do, as does all the rest of nature. They don’t get dressed up for us, they don’t sing for us, they don’t live for us. We simply benefit from what God has created them to be. The old hymn is right, “This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white declare their Maker’s praise” (This Is My Father’s World, by Maltbie D. Babcock).
- Spring testifies about God, that He is the author of life, that the beauty surrounding us is a reflection of His beauty, that all of it has sprung from His mind and His heart, “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, has spoken, And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth” Psalm 50:1-2 (NASB). “Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength” Psalm 96:1-7 (NASB)
Can I encourage you to take a half an hour and take the beauty of this spring as an invitation from God and the Lord Jesus Christ to think about Him, and life, and how He would have you live it.To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans