It may be safe to say and assume that the cold and snow of winter is well behind us.  Parts of Colorado, just the other day experienced as much as a foot of snow.  Hey, it's late April.  What's up with that?  I suppose that is the fate of living in that beautiful state, what with all the mountains and valleys.  We here in the upper Midwest fare a bit differently.  Though, we are not exempt to a freak winter storm late into spring.  Fingers crossed, we're done with all that snow, wind and cold, until, say December of this year.  The glories of spring; warm winds, blossoms and new life are with us to stay; that is until the balmy and sticky days of summer take over.  However, let's take this one season at a time, shall we?

Spring is remarkably therapeutic.  We all seem to have gained a bit of a bounce in our step.  In spite of the seasonal allergies some of us may experience, we await spring's arrival with enthusiasm and joy.  Speaking for myself, I'll gladly accept the extra sneezes and occasional watery eyes in exchange for the glories of what this season of 'new life' provides.  We celebrate this new life within the church as we rejoice throughout this Easter Season in the Resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord.  We inch closer and closer to the great feast of the Ascension of Our Lord to Heaven, celebrated this year on Thursday, May 5th followed by the glorious feast of Pentecost, the 'Birth of the Church,' which we celebrate on Sunday, May 15th.  We celebrate this 'new life' outside the church, too.  Look at the gardens grow...beautiful colors are peaking out from the dark, rich earth, awakening from their winter hibernation.  The trees are bursting with buds that will soon burst open with leaves that adorn their branches and limbs.  The birds are all in top form, singing their morning benediction.  It is all so beautiful.

My sisters and brothers, we are well into this season of spring.  There's newness of life all around us.  Let us carry the spirit and energy of spring with us, so we can share with those who may need a little 'uplifting.'   There are so many who are hurting and ailing, many with heavy hearts and burdened with depression and anxiety.  As good neighbors and loving people of God, let's do our part and our best at bringing peace, love and the Good News of Jesus to all we meet.

Breathe in.  Get a big dose of that clean, fresh spring air into our lungs.  Hold it for a moment.  Now, let it out and relax.  There.  Feel better?  I do.  Let's savor the blessings our Creator makes gift to us.  Love, spring and God's gifts.  We truly are a fortunate lot.

Amen.