I love spring. It's the time when winter's gloom has come and gone. The first thing I notice is the daffodils peeking up over the grass, soon they will bloom. I begin to think, spring is on the way, God set it in motion, it can't be stopped. A new season of life is about to begin, it's almost time to get to work. (Much like the Life of a Christian)
The time has finally come; the days are now getting longer and warmer. It's a moment of excitement and anticipation of the new season ahead, but in a way, I kind of dread it. You see, there's a lot of work ahead of me and I've become a bit lazy and soft during the winter months, and truth be told, I kind of liked it like that. However, something in my mind keeps telling me that season has come and gone, it's now time to get up and get moving. (Much like the Life of a Christian)
Winter has left a lot of things that need to be cleaned up and thrown out. Sticks and leaves now litter the yard. Flowerbeds are good leaf catchers too. Weeds have been hiding in there, just under the soil, waiting for the right moment to spring up. (Much like the Life of a Christian)
The vegetable garden boxes, also good leaf catchers, have begun to grow weeds as well. The root systems of some of the weeds have begun to be intertwined with other weeds; it's hard to tell one from the other. Other types of weeds have rooted deep in the fertile soil and have become very hard to remove. A gentle tug does nothing but break the stem and its foliage at the surface of the ground. This root has grown deep, and has really taken a strong hold into the hard ground below. The only way to remove this type of root is to dig deep to its base and pull it out. It's very important to get all the weeds and their root systems removed. Weeds steal vital nutrients from the soil. Without vital nutrients, my garden will not flourish and my crops will produce less vegetables, if any at all. (Much like the Life of a Christian)
Finally, the spring-clean up in the garden is complete, the weeds have been pulled and the last frost of the season has come and gone. The hard ground has been cultivated so that the soil is now loose and no longer hard from months of neglect. The time has come for planting seeds. Other preparations have already been made to make this season a success. Fertilizer has been purchased and is ready to be used on the occasions when the plants need nutrients replaced. Water is at the ready. I can rely on the knowledge I've gained from a very special seasoned gardener. I feel confident!!! (Much like the Life of a Christian)
Soon the plants will bloom. Soon the blooms will produce vegetables. Along the way, I will continue to cultivate, prune, and pull weeds. I may even have to guard against outside forces that, if I allow, will destroy much if not all of my garden. Along with hard work and keeping my guard up, I will reap the rewards for my labor and enjoy the harvest. All the dread of getting started in the Spring has now turned to satisfaction, contentment, and anticipation of the seasons to come. Much like the life of a Christian.
Proverbs 4:23. Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
Deacon Kevin