Lo, The Winter is Past

As I was out walking today, I couldn't help but notice the signs of Spring literally busting out all over.

 (Photo credit: Martin LaBar )

I realize in this city of the Deep South we don't really have Winter, we have more of a cessation of Summer, but still, the transformation from the few grey bare bine-stems we do have, to the bright verdant new leaves of Spring is a wonderful transition.  This is also the time of year that azaleas bloom in great abundance throughout our city and everywhere you look pink and purple blossoms greet your vision.

For us, Spring won't be "Spring" long. Soon the days will be far too hot and far too humid to be considered Spring. . .our Summer will begin long before the word appears on the calendar.  But for today, even though much of the rest of the country is facing bitter temperatures and even blankets of snow, we have Spring.

In our lives, we often go through seasons of winter, times when things seem bare and grey and dark.  We may feel cold and alone.  But rest assured, Spring is coming. The new leaves will push out, the flowers will bloom and the new life will appear.  It is the way our Lord has designed it to be.  It has always been this way, and it will be this way again.

If your heart is weary, let the changing of the seasons give you hope.  The times of winter only last for a season.

The Winter is Past

Words and Music by Glen Davis

Sometimes the winter seems so cold and deep,
Sometimes we wonder, will there ever be a spring?
Sometimes our hearts seem so broken and grieved,
Sometimes we wonder, Is there hope for me?
Is there hope, is there hope for me?

The winter is past, the flowers appear,
the time of the singing of birds is here.
The voice of the turtledove is heard in our land,
and our Beloved is at hand.

We must trust His heart, when we cannot see His hand.
When He seems so far apart, and we cannot understand.
For beneath the frozen shroud, a seed awaits new birth,
And life will once again appear, amid the dark and dearth…
life will once again appear, amid the dark and dearth.

The voice of my Beloved speaks and calls to me,
Rise up my love and come away, My glory you shall see.
And deep within my heart, His Spirit moves in grace,
I lift my head in wonder, and look upon His face
I lift my head in wonder, and I look upon His face.

The winter is past, the flowers appear,
the time of the singing of birds is here.
The voice of the turtledove is heard in our land,
Oh beloved, I am at hand,
Oh beloved, take My hand.