Spring has Sprung

I love everything about Spring, especially all the “re’s”: renewal, refreshment, rebirth, and return. There’s something so hopeful in tiny, green leaves appearing again on branches that once were barren, or the sweet, earthy smell of the first Spring rain that begins to replenish the ground. I’m always amazed when the bulbs buried deep beneath the ground come to life each year after being frozen below. That’s the thing about Spring, there are signs of promise everywhere!

For me, there’s one sure sign that Spring has sprung and that’s when the Robins find the way back to my front yard from their winter homes. Once they arrive, joyful song greets the morning and flitters on the evening air. The winter-worn grass becomes dotted with  red breasts hopping happily from one side to the other appearing to do a welcome back waltz with one another. Would you be surprised if I told you that watching Robins reminds me of something important in my, our, relationship with God? 

A Robin’s process for satisfying its hunger is fascinating! Cocking its head to one side, this amazing bird stands perfectly still and well, just listens. Moments later, it hops a few paces, stops, and listens again. This continues until suddenly the Robin moves into action diving its yellow beak into the ground and coming up with a worm. How is this sure sign of Spring able to hear something as quiet as an earthworm? It remains a mystery but it is a lesson for us.

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Then he added, ‘Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given-and you will receive even more.’”

Mark 4:24 (NLT)

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.”
James 1:22a (NLT)

Following the example of a Robin, to be nourished we too must stop all the “song and dance” we’re doing in our day to day lives.  Then, we need to find time to be perfectly still and just listen. Hearing God speak can be a mystery too, but through His Word, in song, at church, or with His very voice we can hear Him. And when we do, we must then step in closer and listen some more.

Scripture reminds us though (as does our red-breasted friend) that it doesn’t stop there. Listening isn’t enough. We must then take action. What we are called to do will be different for each of us and we never know who will be watching. What we do know is that He will satisfy our needs.

Spring has Sprung! Are you ready? Let’s be Robins in a world that needs to find its way and celebrate “Spiritual Spring” every day of our lives: Rebirth in Christ, Renewal of our Souls, Refreshment in His Word, and the Promise of Christ’s Return.