“B”rrr, someone frosted the trees!

It’s April 2 and this photo was taken from our front porch this morning. Someone flew over the city and frosted everything. It’s so pretty, and unexpected. That’s the way life is sometimes. I am a fan of snow (having moved from Denver to Indiana) so this was a gift to me but probably a disappointment to many others. I think it’s winter’s last hurrah before giving in to spring’s blooms. It’s been great hearing the birds chirping in the morning but I bet they were surprised as we were with the snow.

It’s been a harder winter than normal, and I don’t necessarily mean the weather. Life’s changes have been heftier, with some family members suffering tough illness. I’m ready for warmer weather and brighter days, where people feel stronger, better and thoroughly loved. Sometimes I listen to Christian radio when at lunch and Rick Warren had an encouraging message a few week’s ago. He reminded me that we as children of God are never expected to handle everything ourselves.

That’s why God sent us the Holy Spirit. He’s the true helper in our lives and can help us experience the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Do I know this intellectually? Of course. Does my heart feel it all the time? Not a chance. This Easter season, I can celebrate a resurrected faith which is active in my life, if only I make room for Christ. So, move over snow and ice, the Spirit of spring (and its fruit), are waiting to blossom in our lives.

Update: by late afternoon, most of the snow had melted and the grass was green again.