Spring is an opening of God's grace

April is opening.

Opening our hearts and minds toward spring. Opening the windows for the first time since winter forced them shut. Opening the earth to bring a future harvest. Opening day that creates excitement and enthusiasm for the most casual baseball fan. There is an opening hope that finally it will be warm and finally the last snow is behind us. We are open to what the new spring and the coming summer will bring.

God reveals His glory in every season, but in the spring it seems easier to see it. Psalm 85:11 says: "Truth spring up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven." Perhaps this ancient Hebrew poet was an observer of spring.

The truth that springs up from the earth is the truth that winter does not rule.

One of my favorite scenes in C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is when the children are running from whom they assume to be the White Witch. The faster they run the closer her sled comes. When they realize they cannot outrun her they finally hide. When they are coaxed from their hiding, they see it is not the White Witch who was chasing them but Father Christmas.

In the land of Narnia it was always winter but never Christmas. It was always cold, dark and full of death with never any hope. Father Christmas not only brought gifts but the conclusion to winter. From this point on in the story the snow fades, the grass grows and the flowers bloom. New life, new hope has opened.

This is the truth that springs up from the opening ground. The truth that death, darkness and winter do not rule, but God in His grace and mercy brings new life. God's righteousness kisses His creation. That He always makes things new -- including me and you.

Spring also brings an opening of the heavens. Storms of colossal proportion bring the rain necessary for spring. If it were not for the storms then there would not be spring.

The truth that God springs up from the earth reminds us each spring the storms may not be welcomed but are necessary for new life. The same is true for those whom God is smiling on. The storms that cause pause and great question often open our eyes to Him. Spring is an opening, opening to grace.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.