A Lesson from Spring…

This past Sunday as we started the car for church, I could hardly tear myself away from the sounds and smells of spring time in our front yard. I asked Ken if he could hear the birds sweetly singing, so he turned off the radio; then, had to turn off the engine. When all was quiet, “It’s the goldfinches,” he said, “or maybe the wrens.” We sat still for a while, marveling at how the Lord was able to refresh us through such simple pleasures—a breeze bobbing the roses, and birds happily chatting. 

The moment was truly a Song of Solomon 2:12-13 whisper from the Holy Spirit, “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The … blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” But admit it. We so lack intimacy with God that such effusive terms of endearment almost embarrass us. Besides, how often do we hear God speak to us that way? But Françoise Fenelon wrote many centuries ago, “How can you expect God to speak in that gentle and inward voice which melts the soul, when you are making so much noise with your rapid reflections? [When you crowd your life with so much clatter?] Be silent and God will speak again.”

And so, after church, I came home and decided not to watch the Masters on TV, or catch up with the Friday edition of USA Today. Instead, Ken and I read from I Samuel, and then I wheeled into the backyard, and listened for the voice of the Lord. I wasn’t disappointed :-).