With the days getting longer and temperatures rising, we are reminded that spring will come - literally and metaphorically. In our current reality, which has been compared to an ice age, we particularly need these reminders. COVID-tide will not last forever. God has done everything through Jesus to bring about a glorious spring. However, our hope sometimes flags and we need the hope of others to help buoy us.
C. S. Lewis helps us hope in spring and new life throughout The Chronicles of Narnia. Repeatedly, winter gives way to spring and/or new life emerges. Reading the series is a great way to prepare for Easter.
Lowana performed a concert on YouTube this past Sunday. At the end, she beautifully performed Tom Waits' song, You Can Never Hold Back Spring.
You can watch an earlier filmed performance of Lowana with Matt Froese here or listen to Tom Waits perform it here.
Sarah Condon - an Episcopal priest - shared in a recent Mockingcast episode that we often think our Lenten efforts will get us to Easter, but in reality, Easter is running to us. That's astounding!
Friends, no matter how it feels, neither spring nor Easter can be held back. Fast from despair, feast on hope. If the suggestions above don't spark hope for you, keep looking. On the musical front, maybe this version of O Magnum Mysterium or this version of Tango with God will help you turn and hope. Of course, there are almost limitless sources of hope. May you be blessed to encounter some of them in the days ahead.
With hope that you're enjoying the thaw (despite the mess!),
Michelle
