It's spring in Minnesota! Does anyone else anticipate this season the most of all our bold seasons the way I do? I adore the fragrance of blooming trees and the fresh sprouts of tulips and grass. That warm sun on our cheeks feels so different than the same sun of February. The way our state just seems to “wake up” from a long winter hibernation gives me a feeling of new life.
We long for longer days and warmer temps, but spring doesn’t always unfold the way we plan it in our heads, does it? We know all about frigid March temps and April snowstorms, but it never changes the way we anticipate a new spring and a new beginning each year.
There’s something special about a new beginning and a fresh start that we, as humans, generally appreciate.
But what I have come to learn and love as I've come to know Jesus is that new beginnings don’t always happen just when the weather gets warm or the flowers start to bloom. In fact, Jesus has met me on the coldest, darkest, rainiest, and snowiest days of the year.
The type of spring we have does not dictate how holy our Easter will be. Even if we freeze in our new spring dresses on Easter Sunday, the warmth of Jesus in our hearts never changes. And though this truth flows freely from my mouth now, it has taken me some time to truly feel that way in my heart.
Before, I was putting my faith in something that changed.
I’ll admit, I used to obsess about the weather in the spring and summer. I loved warm, sunny days. When I saw a stint of rain in the forecast, I remember thinking of ways to make those days pass as quickly as possible while, in turn, wishing for the warm days to last forever. I recall being perfectly content at work on rainy days and being almost depressed to be at work on warm, clear, summer days, worried that I would be missing out.
I began to experience a change in perspective.
One day it dawned on me that you can have perfectly amazing weather but still have an epically horrible day. Beautiful weather or not, I could still find out that someone I love was involved in an accident or that some other unfortunate thing had happened. What had I been thinking? Did I believe that warm weather would “save” me in some way? Was I putting my faith in the way the sun and sky made me feel? After I had digested this change in perspective, I also realized that on the rainiest, windiest, and coldest days I could have positive, life-changing events to make me forget all about the weather outside.
Now, I have found Someone secure.
So, what brought about this change of perspective in my life? The answer is Jesus!
Jesus' love has no conditions, no forecast, and no limits.
He finds me no matter what my weather app says, and I can call out for him in the same way no matter what circumstances are happening around me.
I found myself really calling out for Jesus in the fall of 2021, as I was seeking guidance in a shifting career. I was unsure of my future path, yet that’s always where God comes through, isn’t it? After an interview and some thoughtful prayer, I was offered a position here at Berean as the Café Supervisor. Let me tell you, it has been the most fulfilling job I've ever had the privilege to experience. I have loved meeting and forming new friendships with so many people that have already inspired me, even in the short 6 months that I have been here. During this time, we have experienced some of the coldest days of the year, and that just proves that the changing seasons are not in charge of our days. I have had some of the most meaningful, heartwarming conversations on those cold winter mornings, and only one SON can take credit for that! That SON is Jesus Christ - the Son of God.
I discovered a new beginning, and so can you.
Each spring, I am reminded of how my happiness used to be so dependent on the weather, but Jesus replaced that perspective by giving me a one-on-one relationship with him. Every time I talk to Jesus, I see more and more the true meaning of a new life, especially around the time of Easter. What a perfect time to not only find new life outside your door but also a new life in Jesus!
Jesus is there waiting for you whenever you are ready to take his hand. Isn’t that amazing? He waited on me for many years and he's waiting for you too, friend. When I was ready, he was there to give me a new life in him.
If you want to know more about a new life in Jesus, attending an Easter service at Berean is a perfect way to start! I personally invite you to come and bring your family to see why this is one of our favorite times of the year. Don't have anyone to sit with? I will save you a seat! You can find my email, along with that of all our staff, on the Berean website. Reach out, and I would be happy to meet you!
This spring, let's remember where our hope comes from!
Enjoy the spring, the flowers, and the sunshine, but remember, it's not the sun outside that will give you the stamina to withstand the storms of this life. Rather, it is the Son (Jesus) in your heart that will bring you true joy, true hope, true purpose, and true victory today - and every day! He is above all your circumstances, and he's waiting to walk with you.
Happy Spring, but most importantly, Happy Easter!
Find More Information About Easter at Berean:
Invite someone to Easter at Berean:
Can't attend in person?
Read More about Hope in jesus:
