The King of Spring and Everything

Spring is here. Although April showers were just a bit delayed into May, dandelions, lily-of-the-valley, tender green grass and spreading violets poke upward and outward in my yard.

My dogwood tree is in bloom much earlier than ever before. Its buds unfurled from tight little orbs into vibrant blossoms in the short span of 3 days. While the folklore legend of the dogwood tree is not considered accurate, we do know that it was in the spring that Jesus gave His life for us to have renewed, redeemed, supplied, abundant, eternal life. We know that in 3 short days He went from being wrapped in lifeless form, to being totally and magnificently alive forevermore.

The delicate flower petals of the dogwood form the shape of a cross. The darkened spots that stain the petals' edges could represent the nail prints in Christ's hands. Its center does resemble a tiny crown, perhaps depicting both the thorns and the royalty worn by the King of The Kingdom.

Spring holds lots of reminders of all He is, of all He did, of all He does.

Birds flit by with beaks laden with twigs and string and dryer lint. Mourning doves gather in pairs together on the clothes line, tree limbs and telephone wires, cooing their sorrows to each other, while appearing totally at peace, unruffled. Their very sound brings a restful calm to the atmosphere.

A betrothed male wren had recently begun to build a nest in my sister’s dryer vent opening but for safety it had to be shut down so any future wren eggs wouldn’t end up cooked in the flow of hot air. It was a disappointment to both my sister and I. We worried that the wrens would not have a home in time for egg laying. However upon researching the nesting habits of wrens, it turns out that the male builds a few nests at the same time and then lets the female choose. So even with the closing of one, we were amazed and relieved to know that another home existed for this precious family.

The male cardinal, in all his brilliant red regality sounds his single chirps, calling his mate to the seeds scattered across the deck, which the bold blue jay has conveniently arranged for them by aggressively plundering the bird feeder intended for small-birdies-only. The sparrows, chickadees and goldfinches swoop back and forth from tree to feeder, at seemingly designated times, to refuel from their travels. Plump robins bob across the lawn.

As I watched several of those robins after this morning’s drizzle, one stood very still and poised. Then with a wee small tilt of his head he made a brisk hop. This was immediately followed by a swift and confident poke and pluck. And behold, a plump moist worm emerged from the ground between his beak. I continued to watch and he repeated the process many times. As I remained watching, all the robins repeated the same routine and each of them had repeated success. Every time!

What is so very significant about all these signs in nature is that they all occur without us having to do anything. I know we all know this but how often do we really appreciate it and give a hearty hip-hip-hooray to the Creator of the universe; He who puts all things in place and in order and holds all things together. He who supplies all we need.

Oh, to be as Beauty-Full as the dogwood tree and as representative of our Savior. Or as serene as the mourning dove and as prepared as the wren. To be as assured of our provisions as the birds of the air and as keenly tuned in to how to reap our continual supply as the robins are.

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Luke 12:22-32
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

I am rejoicing in Him, and delighting in spring! Hope you are too!

Gratefully HIS,

Jan