Springtime
I am calling it! It’s official, Spring is here. As I look outside on this gorgeous March day, I am reminded of Springs' impact on our soul/psyche. It impacts my mind and body in many ways. In the winter, we are normally cooped up inside due to rain or cold. The days are short and dreary with uninviting gray clouds, foggy nights, and freezing, cold snaps. It is easy to see why depression pops its ugly head during those days.
Spring is a sort of reorienting. Things that once looked dead or weathered, suddenly become blossoming and multi-colored trees and flowers. These kinds of days always bring a sense of renewal and joy. It may also remind us of the days to come. If we are a native of the Northshore we know to enjoy the cool mornings and bearable afternoons of Spring, before the hot, humid days, rains, and hurricanes of Summer arrive.
Jesus speaks of reading the “signs of things to come” in a metaphorical sense as well. It is a meteorological and arboricultural metaphor that has very deep spiritual significance. It is found in Matthew 24:32-35 (CEB):
32 “Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you know that the Human One is near, at the door. 34 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.”
Many have used these verses to scare others into believing (rapture/end of the world). That’s missing the point. Our scripture is focused on understanding the times you live in (that pesky Spiritual Timekeeping), but less about “end times” and more about an important moment in time. If you read the entirety of Matthew 24 you will notice words such as; “be alert”, “beware”, “be on guard”, but also to “see that you are not alarmed.” (v.6) The point is following the Way forms us to become the type of people that the Cultural Critic and Pastor Mark Sayers calls, “a non-anxious presence”. A leader that understands the chaos and turmoil we are in, and is compassionate, empathic, and courageous. We must not be reactive, yet not passive. We live as active listeners and compassionate presences. Not as rectionaries that we see these days.
The signs of Spring are here. You may read these signs as a new beginning, or see that summer and its wrath is soon. But I hope you see the importance and urgency of following. Following has a way of forming someone into a smaller version of them. Like Jesus, we, too, can have no fear when we face the inevitable storms.
Grace and peace!
Zac