Harbinger of Spring

The barrenness of winter trees and sky, the woodland floor bereft of beauty and the chilling storms that surround are leaving for the beauty of spring to come.   The bullfrogs are croaking, the peepfrogs singing, the robins return to their homes among the maples.  These and more, all point to the fact that the seasons are still faithful to come and go.  Signs and promises of spring are all around.  A few weeks ago, on a walk through the forest I found  the small delicate flower called the Harbinger-of -Spring.  It whispered to me that spring  was truly on its way.  Until then we had to take it by faith that spring would come and with it new life and a new start.

 The word harbinger means one who announces the approach of another {forerunner}.   This small flower heralds the approach of the dainty beauties that will once more fill the woodland floor.  Among the broken twigs, decaying leaves, and rotting acorns, beauty blooms.  The Snow or Dwarf Trillium is one of these flowers that come after the Harbinger-of-Spring.  This three-leafed, three-petaled flower brings joy to the heart as we see before our eyes, life bursting among decay and brokeness. 

God, the Creator, has shown us over and over again in the coming of this anticipated season of spring that beauty can bloom from what once seemingly was worthless.   He can take the brokenness and decay from your life and cause the bloom of a new life to permeate your heart.    This Triune God is wanting to burst forth in you with fresh hope and joy.

The Hepatica is another reason to go to the woods early in spring time.  Treasures await those who seek.  Be surprised by joy as you take your child and search out the many different and delicate wildflowers that God causes to bloom among last years decay. 

Take time to revel in the blue of the sky, the gurgling of the brook, the cool  breeze and the warmth of the sun.  Let the knowledge that He who hath clothed these flowers of the woods with such beauty is wanting "much more" to fill your heart and soul with the loveliness of His Spirit.