Lent is almost over.
We’re heading into Holy Week.
So many choose not to observe these practices.
This year I have struggled to stay focused.
The discipline and reach for more; difficult.
The connectedness with my Savior; not there.
The day dawned warmer.
I took a walk in the afternoon sunshine.
It’s still too early to see signs of Spring.
The daffodils, tulips and hyacinth are still cuddled deep in the earth;
not willing to risk the bitter winds.
The earth is slushy as I walk.
The deep frost letting go.
The river plays a melody.
Content, I walk on.
I love and hate this time of year.
I love the expectations of green grass and flowering trees.
I long for the daily warmth of sunshine;
to hear the call of birds and rustling of leaves is worth the wait.
This time of year also brings mud.
So much mud, it’s hard to move around.
We run out of feed.
Milk production falls.
Winter holds on just enough to remind you Spring is really not here.
So when days like today happen.
You need to hold on.
Be content.
Stand in the field and soak up the sunshine.
Walk delicately because there are holes in your boots.
Surrender the worry and concern.
Abandon the tightened fists and clenched teeth for the moment.
The sun warms my skin.
I squint to see.
I carefully step over the running water through the fields.
The brooks are thirsty and gladly welcome the deluge.
I head back to the house where I can’t bear to enter.
The windows still boasting their quilted coverings.
We’ve learned to wait. To not remove the added warmth too early.
I sweep the winters dust off the front porch.
I listen to the drip of melting snow.
The sunshine glimmering and shimmering off the lingering piles of snow.
It will take a few days of sweeping to remove the remnants of winter.
We take down the last of the Christmas garlands.
I think of our friends that come and visit us in the heat of the summer.
I sit in the rocker and call them.
I face the sun.
And rock.
Content.
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
