Woman gathering flowers, first century CE. Detached fresco from the Villa Arianna in Stabiae, Campania, Italy, now in the Collection of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Naples, Italy. The woman may be Primavera (a personification of spring).
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
Psalm 147.7-8
As much as I loved living in Texas, I could never accept the weather. Texas does not have a springtime. It has allergy season. Having lived now through fall, winter, and spring in Lake Forest, spring is my favorite. (I know, summer is coming). I’m only kidding about Texas springtime. There is something like spring, but often it only lasts a week or two. And because the winter is mild, one does not experience the relief one feels after enduring a long, cold winter. (I know, I know, it was neither long nor very cold this year). As a companion to the season, I’ve been reading Robert Capon’s book, The Youngest Day, which is a series of theological reflections on the seasons and how each relates to God’s grace and judgment. In the chapter on spring, he writes:
Spring is the youngest, freshest day of the world, the definitive disclosure of what life was meant to be and of the resurrection that won’t take no for an answer.” Spring is when God says, “Here: this is what I had in mind.”
As I see the blooming flowers throughout town and in my backyard, it’s hard to argue with Capon. Things are coming back to life. This is what God had (and has) in mind—not only for creation itself but also for your life and mine. What a relief.
I love to hear from you. Just reply to this email or leave a comment here about what you’re learning or what is inspiring you. Feel free to forward this email to someone you think might enjoy it. If you received this email from a friend and would like to subscribe, please do so here.
P.S. My friend John Inazu is giving a talk inspired by his new book, Learning to Disagree, this Sunday evening at Christ Church. I am not sure I will be able to attend, but I know it will be good. John is a thoughtful scholar and faithful Christian from whom I have learned much! If you are free that evening, I encourage you to go.
Spring for my husband in Lake Forest, after his many years of traveling for work, seem to be like a many layered sweet onion of gifts: the witch hazel in February; the redbuds, miniature iris and crocuses in March; the daffodils, red maple leaf buds, and pear trees in April; followed by wild tulips and peonies… and more. “He is risen indeed.” We need to go out into the world as well, and gladly.
I love this! Spring is resurrection. Market Square is so beautiful in spring. If you have not yet taken your family to the Peanut Gallery on Western Avenue for the best burgers and fries in town, then put it on your list. There are chairs and tables in Market Square to enjoy lunch outside. Tons of kids running around on the weekend. Thank you for your weekly posts and glad your family is part of our great church and great community ✝️🕊