Ever since Punxsutawney Phil predicted the early arrival of spring, we’ve seen the beginnings of the new season… mostly. Through the ups and downs of temperatures—from the stormy almost-80 degree days to the mild 68 degree afternoons to the chilly 30-something degree mornings to snowy evenings, we’ve weathered the roller coaster of this February and March’s climate.

So often, nature imitates what we are often feeling inside. We endure the winters of our lifetime. We relax during what appears to be summertime filled with youthful moments.

Even more so, our earth and our hearts are aching for springtime. As weather has been all over the place after a season of cloudy, chilly weather, we want the full sunny days of spring. As we notice the buds on the trees for the first time each year, we know that spring is around the corner. I notice that something in my heart changes, and I feel that, as Song of Solomon says “winter has passed,” even if we do get five inches of snow the next week. Any of us who endure season affective disorder latch on to these signs of spring, knowing that the transition to a new season is ahead.

Everything in our world and our beings are aching for springtime. We want to leave behind the chills of winter with its ice and frigid temperatures and head right into spring.
 

And that’s the beauty of Easter right around the time of Spring’s birth. We’ve gone through the beauty of Holy Week, including the mournful, wintery Good Friday. And now we are ready for our earth and our spiritual season to come alive again.

Everything yearns for the renewal that we see in spring and at Easter. Flowers and temperatures are just a part of it. When it comes to Easter, we know that our faith comes alive too. We have wandered in an arid spiritual wilderness for the 40 days of Lent, and now we have arrived at the season of resurrection. As Easter is a full season from Easter Day until the day of Pentecost, we are given not just one Sunday or one week of Easter. We are given an entire season! We are reminded week after week for 50 days that resurrection is a reality. God has created us as beings who desire renewal when times are challenging and endings surround us.
 

Granted, there are times when it’s tough to see resurrection. And maybe something does have to end for something new to begin, and that requires some grief. What this season gives us a renewed sense of hope of which we often lose track. Easter reminds us that the story doesn’t end at Good Friday—and our story will find a new chapter in one way or another.

As we see the trees blossom and the plants bloom during Spring 2024, know that your soul is planning on the same. Hope ignites our hearts to find new beginnings. Awakening to new possibilities is Easter’s gift. May we continue to seek the ways God’s love is reviving our world and hearts again.

Easter Blessings, friends!
Pastor Michelle