After a long, cold winter we hope for Spring.  I’ve got good news: spring’s hope is just around the corner.  I could see it in the yellowing of the willows and the reddening of the maples, and the increase of the bird population.  It wasn’t official, however, until I saw the first wild flowers blooming in the lane.  Today I was surprised (as I am every year) to see my patch of coltsfoot lifting their bright yellow faces to the sun.  Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is the first real wild flower to show itself in our hollow.  Notwithstanding, there are always a few dandelions that are foolish enough to bloom in the dead of winter…they don’t count.

Spring is a metaphor for hope.  I’m neither an optimist nor a pessimist.  I’m somewhat pragmatic without subscribing to pragmatism, but I believe in hope.  I believe that no matter how long and cold the winter of our existence may be all things will work out for God’s glory and our good.

War, death, dysfunctional families, foolish choices…the list could go on…all contribute to our wintery outlook.  Yet peace, eternal life, perfect union in God’s family with his perfect guidance throughout eternity is the hope of the Christian.  As we celebrate Easter we are encouraged for the Hope our own newness of life.  “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (St. John).