Olivia and I needed a change of scenery, but didn’t want to go to the trouble of driving somewhere. We decided to walk our mile long, dirt road with our dog Oliver — a bouncy, red, springer terrier.
The day was bright, with a piercing coolness… holding the first hint of spring. A hint that the season would be changing soon. It has been a long, dark, stormy winter— although in California, I know it doesn’t come close to the harshness of winter faced by others who actually have distinct seasons! BUT… it did drop to a chilly 29 degrees one morning last week!
As we started down the first hill, the sun on my face sparked hope in my heart.
Seasons DO change, and a fresh start is always possible.
It’s the thought of walking out of the darkness of winter into the clarity of spring.
For me, it has been a winter season of life these past few months with the loss of my dad, the death of a dream, and the constant fight against feelings of failure.
It all hurts.
But…
The hope.
The hope of spring.
There is hope.
And warmth…
And sunshine.
And… new beginnings.
Spring is a season of new growth and life. An anticipation of things to come.
Micah 7:7 “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (NIV)
I love this verse in the Message translation:
But me, I’m not giving up.
I’m sticking around to see what God will do.
I’m waiting for God to make things right.
I’m counting on God to listen to me.
I wrote this verse in my journal, ending each phrase with a name of someone or something I am praying about— an area I’m looking to God for hope. For example, at the end of the phrase, “I’m waiting for God to make things right,” I wrote the name of a family friend whom we haven’t spoken with in 8 years because of a hurtful situation. I wrote his name down on a Wednesday, and TWO DAYS later… the situation came full circle, with an amazing conversation happening between Eddie and him. And… Eddie initiated contacting him without telling me it was happening.
Spring is coming.
What appears to lie dormant below frozen ground WILL burst through in light of spring.
May you feel encouraged to look to God for hope in the hard things of life.
Don’t give up.
Stick around to see what He will do.
Wait for him to make things right.
And know that God hears you. You can count on that!
Yes Yes Yes!!!! this is soooo good Lori (and the pics of olivia and oliver are my favorite!) This is so encouraging! I love putting the name at the end of the verse! I’m doing it!
Love you friend! Keep doing what you’re doing because it is A GIFT!
Aren’t Olivia and Oliver so cute? I’m glad you are going to use Micah 7:7, and can’t wait to hear what God does in your life. ??
I would like to receive your blog updates. Thanks
Hi Tammy,
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Blessings?