Spring’s Abundance

Spring’s Abundance

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! . . . The Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.

Isaiah 35:2

When fresh spring air blows through my open windows, my thoughts turn to planting flowers in the front flower beds and hanging pots near the door. Spring abundance brings beauty and joy. And for the Amish, spring also means looking forward to an array of fresh, healthy food for their tables. Food they don’t have to cultivate. One Amish woman writes:

Nature provides the first taste of spring with perennial plants that grow “wild” around here: rhubarb, dandelions, asparagus, and onions, to name a few favorites. Rhubarb begins spreading its big leaves, ready to be used in shortcakes, pies, jams, and other family favorites. Wild asparagus begins peeping through in patches, and green onions, with their flavorful taste, are a sure sign of spring. Bright red strawberries, which thrive in the coolness of spring, also begin blooming. But perhaps the most exciting signal is when our favorite foods finally find their way onto our supper plates. Perhaps the most eagerly awaited is the arrival of young, tender dandelions.

Because I live in the suburbs, I see dandelions as weeds that I need to poison. I’m more concerned about cutting grass than harvesting fresh rhubarb and asparagus. I enjoy the beauty of spring, but I’m missing out on the abundance. This makes me consider how much of the Lord I’m missing out on. Do I barely glance at His beauty in my subdivision life? With a lawn instead of a garden, do I miss really seeing all He provides? It takes more effort to look for God’s bounty, but it can be done. Isaiah 61:10 says, “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.”

Most of the time I enjoy the Lord’s beauty without rejoicing over my clothing of salvation and robe of righteousness. May spring’s abundance remind me to praise God for all He has provided!

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the abundance of what You’ve provided! You are a good God who gives both beauty and bountiful blessings!