“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson
The way of birds, flowers, and hope
Birds, unlike you and me, listen to each whisper on the wind. Every morning throughout the seasons, they beckon us to stop focusing on the worries of this world—And so I try, if only for a few minutes, to watch them welcome a new day like my childhood self always did. Priceless moments. Precious days. Time meant for me to savor still. Live deliberately and remember, so I might uncover meaningful clues buried deep beneath the surface of springtime’s mysterious way.

A few great mysteries
Today, I’m reminded of Jesus and a few of the greatest mysteries of all: Faith, hope, and love. All the while knowing there’s so much more for me to learn. I also pray for more seasons to enjoy and move forward in my callings.
Hungry and thirsty?
It’s in those quietest morning hours when I’m reminded to search for answers in God’s Word. And now as we approach Holy Week, I’ll hold on to the hope I found many years ago. It keeps me tethered and hungry to learn—but not just about customs, culture, or historical events to boost my late-middle-aged IQ (more on that another time—if I remember).
I don’t want that kind of knowledge without understanding. My heart longs to grasp the meaning of things that matter to God. And sure, He knows I’ve walked ahead in my understanding, mingled with a pharisaic crowd, or screwed up a few hundred times in my over-zealousness in what I thought He had planned for me. But when I think of Jesus’s dearest disciples or men and women He called friends, I see I’ve been in somewhat good-ish company.
Why believe in miracles and such? Here’s another Biblical example on that topic: Mark 9:14-29 ESV

Seasonal storms and glory days
Springtime storms remind me of how life’s highs and lows come and go without warning.
Whether we’re enjoying abundant blessings fulfilling life-long dreams and reaching amazing personal goals, or if we’re in spiritual valleys that seem to come out of nowhere and we feel like we’re searching for water at the bottom of an empty well—It helps to know we’re not alone in our triumphs or struggles.
There’s no doubt that most of us prefer peaceful, worry-free seasons. Freedom from darkness’s heaviness or days where pain lingers like the dog days of summer might be one goal, but faith and prayers for strength while in the trenches can also bring supernatural healing.

Digging deeper
For me, sometimes digging deeper means I might need to retreat. That’s when I grab one of my ugly straw hats and get outdoors. This simple act may not physically help or answer life’s most profound questions, but I know touching dirt connects me to God and nature in a deeper way I can’t explain.
Alone, I search for answers hidden within springtime’s mysterious way. Whether watching a sudden stormy sky where birds seem to roam without worry or fear, or praying for bent flowers swaying with the wind. They rely on the Giver of sustenance as if they know Him … like I want to. As if they know this kind of hope has a name.
Jesus. Name above all names. The Way. The Truth. The Life.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son… John 3:16 ESV
Wishing you joy on your journey and the most miraculous Resurrection Sunday ever,
~ JC
Special thanks to Pixabay for use of all free images: Feature Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay, #1 Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay, #2 Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay, #3 Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay


Hope DOES have a name. What a wonderful way to be reminded of Him.
God is so good to show us such meaningful lessons in nature. Now more than ever, I pray we always remember the hope we have in His son, the only one who calmed the winds and waves and I believe in His promises (no matter what dreary headlines say).