March 20

 

March 20

It’s here! Finally! The day we waited for.

The day anticipated by gardeners.

According to the calendar, there’s a new birth –

as the first day of spring is March 20^th.

Birds should ring in

the first day of spring

with songs they sing

each new morning.

A day when the sun should glow

and you see spring flowers grow.

A day when temperatures warm

and you don’t need your mittens.

A day when winter is past

and the snow is gone - at last.

A day of mirth

over the earth.

For everyone can’t wait

for this dividing date

when spring is scheduled to begin.

A date when gardeners dig in.

But apparently the weather report doesn’t abide

by the yearly calendar, unless the calendar is a lie.

This morning the sun didn’t rise,

so the birds didn’t sing their lullaby.

Instead of the sun ascending,

there were snowflakes descending;

instead of a carpet of green grass appearing,

there is a blanket of white snow in the clearings.

Winter’s hanging on,

and on - and on - and on.

Each new spring seemingly waits - and waits - and waits.

Did, perhaps, my calendar have the wrong date?

* * * * *

What do you find yourself waiting for?

Something that you’ve forever endured?

Perhaps a way out of financial debt?

Maybe a child gives you reason to fret?

Perhaps you’re waiting for employment

or maybe you’re nearing retirement?

Is there a health problem that lingers?

Do you want to change your figure?

Maybe the birth of something new?

That seems to take a long time, it’s true.

Waiting is difficult to endure

and can take forever, that’s for sure.

Whatever it is you’re waiting for,

waiting, we find, has good things in store.

It’s in waiting that patience is truly matured.

Perseverance builds character by its nature.

Waiting patiently – seems to be an oxymoron –

though simply waiting solves many problems.

Waiting patiently – two opposites that attract –

and in the end is God’s best for us. How about that!

God made his promise to Abraham...

I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.

And so after waiting patiently,

Abraham received what was promised.

Hebrews 6:13-15

We consider blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job’s perseverance

and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:11

Be still before the Lord

and wait patiently for him.

Psalm 37:7a

I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth; a hymn of praise to our God.

Psalm 40:1-3a

If we hope for what we do not yet have,

we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:25

Life Is a Garden Party

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