Spring soul cleaning…

I saw a post on Facebook this week that someone’s daffodils were up. I had to smile. As much as I love autumn, there is something about spring that lifts my soul.

I know it won’t be long now. Jim has had seed catalogues out for over a month, marking the seeds and plants that he will order for the garden. He has already been out in the garden, turning over the soil, mixing in last fall’s leaves and the coffee grounds and other compost we have thrown out there this winter. You want to see some happy worms? Check out Jim’s garden. Spring means anticipation.

Spring means being in the yard, getting flower beds ready, pruning the last of the dead stems from the herb garden. It means smelling the earth, the coolness in the air and the warm breeze that follows it. It means sitting on the deck in the evenings, fire in the pit, wrapped in my favorite sweatshirt. Spring means renewal.

Spring also means baseball. Although I love the Indianapolis Colts and am thrilled that they are going to the Super Bowl, I long for the sight of my beloved St. Louis Cardinals running on  to the field for their season opener. Now don’t get me wrong..I’m not a fanatic. I don’t have to watch every single game. But there is comfort in knowing I can turn on the television for most of the year and catch a Cardinal game. Spring means potential.

Spring means spring house cleaning. It means opening the windows and letting the stuffiness of the winter blow out of the house. It means cleaning out the clutter of winter and swapping coats for jackets. It means putting away heavy quilts and afghans. Spring means a fresh start.

Spring is when Jim and I were married. This April, it will be 20 years. Jim always says, we’ve been married 18 happy years…lol. Well, 18 out of 20 is pretty good! Spring means celebration.

Spring also means the Lenten season and Easter. It means sacrifice, suffering, death…it also means resurrection and life. Just as the earth “dies” for a season during its winter sleep, so too is it renewed each spring with an awakening of life. Spring means hope.

With Lent right around the corner, what part of this winter are you ready to “die” to? What are you ready to leave so that you can be renewed? Are you ready to be refreshed? To be washed clean? Bring it to the Lord…he is waiting to take it from you and renew your soul. Remember, Spring means promise.

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.                     -Joshua 23:14