“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

There was quite a ruckus outside my house. I looked out in my yard and saw about a hundred robins listening, pecking, and making a feast of the worms and critters that hide in the yard. Spring is about to hit with a great, pent-up splash. The crocuses are inching their way up from the ground and are just waiting for the first warm spell to burst into full bloom.

Isn’t it amazing how life reflects God’s design in nature? Even after a long dark night, the sun rises to give light and life to the world, and spring always follows even the dreariest of winters. This is the pattern of the world as it is also the pattern of our life with God. The puzzles of our lives may seem impossible to solve, but given time, patience and listening to God, the parts of the puzzle eventually fall into place in unimaginable and unanticipated ways.

Many in our fellowship have experienced a long, dark winter. It seems that everyone has been touched by death, serious illness, the loss of jobs, loss of retirement value, and a host of other things. Many are even now making adjustments and walking down a path they never imagined they would ever walk. As each issue is met with faith in our Savior, they are resolved little by little until one day it is morning again, and the sun begins to shine on a brand new day.

I have found this to be true, “As things are they will never be that way again.” So, enjoy the seasons of health, peace and joy, never taking them for granted, and in all things thank God. Tough times will pass and even dark days will end. Through it all, God through Christ is a constant companion and the dispenser of hope and faith.

I hope and pray this soon-to-come spring will be mirrored in each life, each home, and each family in our Fellowship.

PJ