The Promise of Spring

Today seemed, by far, the coolest day we have had this month, but it brought me an unexpected surprise - the first flock of red-breasted robins. Their yearly coming always delights me, when hundreds seem to descend upon our little subdivision. They never stay long, only passing through on their journey north, but with their coming is the idea that spring is not far behind. It has been so far a difficult winter for much of the country, and a difficult Winter for me.  I welcome the thought of warm sun and green grass, the idea of good feelings and happiness that comes with the rebirth of Spring. I'm not so naive as to think that grief can be magically whisked away with the changing of the seasons, but I find some comfort in the passing of time. Part of me wishes still to cling to the past, to hold onto what was, but this is not possible - a reality that I daily try to come to grips with. The past has passed and what will be depends on choices I make today. My hope lies in this fact: That as the sun of Spring changes the cold and dark landscape into a show of flowers and life, so too my Creator shines a light into the deepest depths of my heart, and if I allow that light in long enough, life can return, roses can bloom, and my path can be found once again. I'll be looking forward to this spring in more ways than one, as I feel the sun on my face and the Light in my heart.