A pair of hummingbirds chase each other. Flying from here to there, to the tree branches and to the feeder, wings flapping to the purple flowers in the hanging basket. They invite me to pause and watch them for a few moments.
Their presence reminding me to stop. To notice. To open my eyes to the beauty before me.
Spring does that with it’s blue skies, abundant growth, green, and buds and sprouts reaching towards the sun. It calls us to notice. Spring’s voice can be heard in the gentle breeze, the songs of robins, and the owl’s hoot as the sun sets. Springs heartbeat drums in us when we pause to notice life bursting into the world.
Spring is a season all about the resurrection.
This season encourages me to see the signs of resurrection everywhere. Whether it’s because of my children’s ages or my own attention to the change in seasons, I’ve been more attune to the coming spring this year than any other. Or perhaps it’s due to the long, cold winter we just experienced. Either way, as I drive the same routes each day I’ve noticed more and more green leaves overhead. Across our street at the park my children and I have watched as purple crocuses transformed from small buds to blooming beauties. Whenever we travel we point out our favorite spring colors: the pink magnolias, the purple buds, the white dogwoods. All calling us to notice and pay attention.
Spring is a season also inviting us to turn towards others.
Wearing light spring coats, a gentle breeze on our faces, perfectly sunny days beckon us to enjoy. As my family and I take the time to get outside we encounter our neighbors. Whether walking our dog and greeting others out for walks or runs, or sitting in our front yard waving to passing cars, the spring allows us to come reunite with those we find in our communities. These warm days are teaching my children once again the beauty of a wave and simple hello. Spring is the beginning of becoming reacquainted with our neighbors. This season of open windows, picnics at the park, and days spent swinging with friends teach us that life is best done in the company of friends.
There’s so much to notice in the spring: the fresh dew of an early morning, the way the light pools into our homes from a setting sun, fresh-tilled earth in our gardens, tiny sprouts, a bird’s nest, and a field of wildflowers. The joy of time spent with friends.
Spring shows us resurrection – new life – in all its beauty. Calling us to pause and notice. To breathe in the goodness of a day. To see God’s creation and give thanks. To trust that what once was dead will again rise to new life.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website: http://kimberlyknowlezeller.com or follow her work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyKnowleZeller/