Getting Ready for Good Growth

The rivers are roaring in leonine fashion here at the beginning of March as we hope and pray for a full release of winter's frigid grip. It remains to be seen whether the weather later on will be lamb-like, but for now I will take a thaw, even if it means I have to wait a bit to start fly fishing again. 

Lent has arrived along with warmer weather and longer days, all of which mean opportunities to get ready for new growth. Seeds may be planted in little window sill pots as well as within us, as we join the universe in another round of preparing for new life. Dirt is a medium for wonderful things like radishes and beans, and we may serve well as a bed for fruits like compassion and justice, healing and goodness. 

During each of the Sundays coming up (March 9 through Palm Sunday April 13), we will engage questions that I hope will help prepare our hearts and souls for the new life that blows through death at Easter. We will consider things like how to embody the mercy of Christ, what we might shed (or start) to love more fully, and what is our loving commitment to our neighbor?

To be sure, God is doing a new thing yet again. We may feel powerlessness or grief, hope or trepidation, as we face an uncertain future shaped by forces that seem well beyond our control. One steadfast truth persists: God holds all of us, all of this, in compassion and grace. Some darkness comes, even lasting a season, but there will be light and life anew.