With the arrival of spring, the promise of warm weather lingers on the horizon, casting sunshine into every aspect of our lives. There’s something inherently hopeful about the season, with its longer days and warmer temperatures. It hints of a resurgence of plants coming to life anew.
As we reflect on the transition from winter to the emergence of spring and the warmth of summer, a multitude of hopeful events unfold. This marks more than just a change in seasons. It signifies a revival of energy and progress. Families embark on vacations, yards undergo cleaning. In my community, farmers tirelessly engage in the essential tasks of disking and planting, while the countryside witnesses the miracle of cows giving birth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity.” As the grip of winter loosens, it releases nature from its hold. It gives our daily lives hope, energy and potential.
Spring not only marks the end of winter but also signals the end of the school year. The countdown to the last day of school is a ritual for my kids, each passing day filled with growing anticipation.
I vividly recall the year my oldest, on the brink of high school graduation, eagerly counted down the days. The approaching end brought a sense of hope and excitement, signaling the conclusion of the school journey. The prospect of “No More School” became a beacon of hope and a sense of accomplishment.
While it may be perceived as the end of a chapter—marked by the conclusion of the school year—graduation is equally significant as a beginning. Graduating from high school signifies the beginning of a new and exciting phase in life. I remember the mix of emotions as we celebrated this milestone—a blend of pride, nostalgia and anticipation for the future. Rather than viewing it solely as an end, it should be seen as the opening of a door to fresh opportunities, experiences and personal growth.
Almost 30 years ago, a keynote speaker posed this challenge: What happens today prepares you for tomorrow. It was a profound statement that resonated with the essence of life’s experiences.
Whether the events are good, bad or fall into the ugly, each occurrence plays a role in shaping and preparing us for what lies ahead. Life, in all its ways, serves as a dynamic teacher, imparting lessons that become the foundation for our journey into the future.
Isaiah 43:18-19 reads, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” As we navigate the seasons of life, let us embrace each day as a new adventure of hope and possibility.
Just as spring brings new life and the promise of a fresh beginning, so, too, we should approach each day with a renewed spirit. When we open our hearts to the wonders that unfold, we find hope in the beauty of the unknown.
Every moment on our journey forward has the potential for growth, joy and the discovery of new paths. Let’s be reminded that our life experiences, like the changing seasons, contribute to the richness of our existence.
Stuart J. Curry is the pastor of Salem Mennonite Brethren Church in rural Bridgewater, South Dakota. He is originally was from Washington State. He and his wife, Anne, have 11 children and 2 grandchildren. Stuart’s hobbies are woodworking, chasing his kids and finding the perfect cup of coffee.
