Where Is That Red, Red Robin?
For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (ESV)
Today does not look like winter is past! The naked corn cobs are stuck to the ground. The deer have been and gone and are now hunkered down somewhere out in the woods. A sheet of ice covers the cars and driveway. The gold finches have taken over the feeders. School was cancelled. Gabby, the cat, is still sleeping in the chair next to my desk. The roads are slushy. Yet I am still hopeful of seeing a robin in the yard.
Hope keeps us looking ahead even when the odds are against us. Will I see a robin today? Probably not, but I will continue to watch. The alternative is to focus on the grim picture painted above.
Once this hope has been recognized, it is difficult to un-hope something. The tiny green shoots of the Croci, daffodils, and tulips that begin their ascent up through the cold soil are reminders of warmer days ahead. Even though several inches of snow may cover them temporarily, we cannot un-see them. We know they are there.
So it is with our faith. Un-knowing God’s love and mercy is not possible. With abundant blessings every day, forgiveness, joy, and peace, that only come from Him, it would be an arduous task to purposefully forget who He is and what He has done. The world may try to pull us away, but deep inside we still know.
Keeping hope alive is the challenge. How do we do that? As I watch the tan and drab looking gold finches, I am aware of what their colors will become this spring. I know because I have seen it happen for many decades. While some robins winter over here in Tioga County, most do not and when the majority return, that means temperatures are conducive to their survival.
All of us have experienced seasons! We know the order and the indicators. But how about His promises? They are all found in His Holy Word. On these we can hang our hopes. He does not lie or shortchange His people. What He says, He will do!
Yes, spring is coming! It is near and our hope after this long, snowy, cold winter is that it is the best.
Gracious God, thank You for giving us hope. Teach us to never let go of it regardless of the circumstances. Your Word says, “All things are possible with You” and we stand on that message. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston