Saturday was Groundhog Day. They say that Punxutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning that spring is on its way. Although the winter weather has not been as difficult this year as it has been in many previous years, I, for one, am ready for some spring-like weather.
Some signs of spring are starting to show up already. The iris and surprise lilies (aka naked ladies) are poking their heads up out of the ground already. Many birds have returned to the area and are gathering bits and pieces of grass and other "finds" for their nests. The days are gradually getting longer so that we have more daylight. We have been treated to some short spurts of warmer temperatures recently. In less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers report for spring training in preparation for the upcoming baseball season. Slowly but surely we are getting to springtime. Whether it will come early, or wait until March 20th, remains to be seen. We just need to watch and wait. It will be here before we know it.
Song of Songs 2: 11- 13 says, "For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! (The New American Bible, 1987, Devore & Sons, Wichita, KS: Devore & Sons, Inc.).
Let joy find you as spring approaches. Whenever possible, spend some time outside watching the changes in nature as springtime makes its arrival. It can be quite an experience to notice the buds as they form on the tree branches, observing the flowers emerge from the ground, spotting the first dandelion, and so many other "firsts." God provides so much to us in nature. All we have to do is take the time to notice.
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