Now early thaws happen, and snow may not last all winter, but the appearance of worms is a sure sign that the frost is coming up our of the ground and Spring is on its way. It may get cold again and snow may even make an appearance, but the new life of Spring is making itself known.
It's in the worms, and the robins doing their mating dance. It is in the smell of the air after the first rain and the lengthening of the days. It is in the greening of the grass, the pussy willows, and the leaves starting to bud on the trees. Even though winter's hold on us was a bit softer this year, it is a relief to see it leaving.
Farmers are being anxious to get out into the fields and start working them up, preparing them to receive new crops. And the avid gardeners I know are looking through their seed catalogues and making plans that will be set in motion once the threat of frost is past. For although the geese and other critters may not be waiting before they mate, the people who work the land tend to be more cautious. They know that if they plant too early, a hard frost might come and kill off the new growth, costing them time, money, and effort.
This early Spring may already full of the promise of new life, but that life is still tender and tenuous at best. Winter can still make another strong showing. This is a time of year when it is the veneer of our control of our lives is very thin. We have not caused the explosion of new life nor can we do anything to prevent killer cold, should the weather change.
However, this early Spring is a reminder of the effects we can and to have on the world around us. This last winter was one of the warmest on record in much of North America. Whether or not anyone can prove that the weather patterns this winter are caused by global warming, we should take it as a warning to be aware of the way we live, the resources we consume, and the health of the ecology around us.
We do not control the world, but we are responsible for our care of the creation that God has put into our hands. When we are careless with the world and its' resources, we hurt not only the plants and animals, and the environment but we also hurt ourselves. More than that, we disrespect the one who has given us all life.
This time of year is a good time to do "Spring cleaning" not only of our homes, but also of our habits, and our collections of stuff. Cleaning will be easier from now on if we take lighten our loads by donating and recycling all those things we are not using. We can take small steps like replacing light bulbs with energy-saving CFL's (compact fluorescent lights). (If you are not sure which ones to use or why and how much you will save, check out energystar.gov)
One small step is just to go through the house unplugging all the appliances that you aren't using or put them on power strips you can turn off or on. Every transformer, or lighted on/off switch, or digital time display is using energy that costs you money and enlarges your energy footprint. Pack your cloth grocery bags in your car or hang them next to the door so that you are reminded to use them when you shop.
You can start small or challenge yourself to make bigger changes. Just also remember to "ground" all this effort (excuse the pun!) in prayer. Take the time also to give thanks to the one who creates, sustains, and gives us all life. As you see the seasons change around you, take time to be amazed at the abundant love and grace of God. Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
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