finally spring!

As much as I have truly enjoyed the winter snows - albeit late in the season - I have to say that I am very excited about this warm weather and all the outdoor fun to be had! There is something about sunshine, short sleeves, flip flops, and sunglasses that lift moods and make even studying more bearable. It is time to spring clean, dust off the tennis rackets, pull out the light weight clothes.. there is a life and energy that comes with Springtime - and sometimes restlessness with the changing season.

As I have been enjoying the beauty of flowers blooming, adding much welcomed color to the bleakness that winter creates - i can't help but think of Jesus' words "see how the lilies of the field grow, they do not labor or spin. yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If hat is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, o you of little faith? So don't not worry, saying "what shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "what shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But see first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt 6:28-33)
What an incredible promise, and what a good reminder - that we have a God who cares about his creation. So often we are striving - after money, things, prestige, etc - to have everything we could ever want or to look good in the eyes of others. But God reminds us that life isn't about things - there is so much more, such a richness that is found when we seek Him - and none of our own strivings can ever reach that level.

Our Heavenly Father knows what we need. How comforting is that when we don't even know what that is.. we can't even decide what to make for dinner! He desires to shower His love upon us because that is what we were created for. Seek Him, and there your heart will be content.

blown away by the beauty of God's creation...

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

To do for yourself the best that you have it in you to do -
to grit your teeth and clench your fists in order
to survive the world at its harshest and worst-
is, by that very act,
to be unable to let something be done
for you
and in you
that is more wonderful still.

The trouble with steeling yourself
against the harshness of reality is
that the same steel that secures your life
against being destroyed
secures your life also
against being opened up
and transformed.

(The Sacred Journey)