Signs of Spring

Autumn has always been my favorite season of the year, but after a long cold Colorado winter, spring often takes a close second. As I was out for my walk this afternoon, I was enjoying the warm springtime temperatures, knowing that it was only a tease before our next cold snap. Springtime in the Rockies usually means snow for Easter Sunday, and this year will probably be no exception.  

 (Photo by Barb)

 (Photo by Barb)

My friend, Barb, traditionally walks around her neighborhood  this time of year, looking for the first signs of spring. That usually means finding the first blooming crocus, and I love how excited she gets on the day that happens. She usually posts a picture on Facebook, with a joyous hope that springtime is just around the corner.  Today I saw bright yellow daffodils in my neighbor's yard that made me smile. As I was working in the yard, after my walk, I noticed that our fruit trees were budding and just about to blossom, only to be suppressed by the impending snowfall. 

During this season of renewal, Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. As we have all been forced to "slow down" a bit this year, Easter has taken on a special meaning for me that I have rarely experienced in the past. As parents raising our young children, we always tried to do the Easter bunny and basket celebration on Saturday, and leave Sunday for reflection of the true meaning of Easter and the resurrection. That being said, I still have seldom taken the time to personally study and ponder the events of the days preceding that glorious moment. By doing so, this Easter will take on a special significance, as I reflect on the amazing gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, and what that means for me. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.  

Happy Easter or Merry Christmas???

So just when the rest of the world is celebrating Spring and a renewal of growth and green grass and flowers, here in Colorado we are getting snow and singing Christmas carols. It seems like every Easter, we get a huge snowfall. Yes, I am thankful for the moisture because we desperately need it, but it would be nice if it could come in the form of rain instead of snow. Fortunately, the snow does melt quickly this time of year. We are beginning to see a little green grass and the tulips are poking their heads through the ground in the background, even though it still gets chilly at night. After attending church on Sunday, we had a nice Easter dinner with Paula, Eddie and the girls.

I am grateful that on an Easter morning many years ago, Mary went to the tomb where they had laid Christ's body, only to find the tomb empty. After His tremendous suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus Christ had broken the bonds of death and was resurrected as promised. What a glorious day! I am thankful to know that we too can be resurrected, as well as our loved ones who have passed on...what a wonderful reunion we will have!