Faith and Family

Spring’s New Beginnings

BY DONNA WHARTENBY

Spring is the season when the earth revives itself from the cold, drab winter months in many parts of the world. It reinvigorates new growth. Plants sprout signs of new life. Spring is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a time when God shows off His creation with the beauty and abundance of new creations. Genesis 1:14 (NIV) tells us, Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years.”

Spring is the time of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere when temperatures become warmer, promising new growth through life-giving rain. Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (NLT) says, Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. The world is awakened by the warming of the earth while fragrances of new growth and spring colors burst open.

Bears emerge from the sleepiness of hibernation and shake off their winter coats. Hatchlings break through their shell with eyes wide open. Babies are born into a world and experience a new beginning in life, hopeful in this unfamiliar environment.

SPRING IS A TIME OF FRESH STARTS.

Spring is the time to be rejuvenated and shed winter clothing. It’s a reminder to leave the old parts behind as you look to new beginnings in a life filled with God’s creations, beauty, and hope. Romans 15:13 (NIV) tells us, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Why not look to seek joy and peace in God’s creation? Refresh and rejuvenate your mind and spirit by observing spring, its colors, and aromas as you spend time in nature.

We have different seasons in our lives. Let God do as He wishes in your life in each season to guide you as you learn and grow in Him. It may be a time of spiritual maturity. It might be a season of struggles, resulting in learning to trust Him more. It might be a season for Him to give you a change of heart. These seasons will give you hope in God and not in yourself. Let spring be a time of hope and rebirth. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12 NIV).

Here are some steps you can take for a spring refresh:

• Draw closer to God in faithful, consistent prayer. You will experience spiritual growth as you commit to a regular prayer life.

• Commit to reading the Bible for 30, 60, or 365 days. Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, provides good insight into God’s Word in an easy, daily read.

• Take walks outdoors to enjoy spring firsthand. Leave your cell phone at home to reduce distractions.

• Start healthy habits, discover new healthy recipes, and make healthier decisions.

• Spring clean a closet, drawers, or refrigerator. Get rid of the old, dead, and icky things. Toss out or give away any unwanted, discarded things. This is a great opportunity to help others in need.

As you take steps into this new season, pray to ask God’s direction in a new beginning, a fresh start to guide you into new actions and goals to help you and your family grow in their knowledge of our Heavenly Father. Pray with your children every day to start a new habit and learn how easy it becomes to talk to God anytime, anywhere. Give your family a fresh start and a new beginning this spring.

LET GOD DO AS HE WISHES IN YOUR LIFE IN EACH SEASON TO GUIDE YOU AS YOU LEARN AND GROW IN HIM.

With her degree in Education, Donna taught public school, facilitated corporate education, and developed curricula for personal and professional development. Now retired, she teaches Bible studies, serves as church administrator, and is the co-coordinator of Women Encouraging Women, a ministry to encourage women in their walk with Jesus. Donna also sings in the choir and praise team, and plays the piano.

Donna lives in South Florida with her loving husband, Keith, of over 40 years. They have a son, Bill, who with his wife blessed them with three wonderful grandchildren. They love family vacations to discover God’s creation wherever they go. Donna loves writing for Voice of Truth.