Signs of spring

As the cold, snow, and ice grips much of the midsection of our country (30,000 people are still without power after several days just a few hundred miles from me as I write), as we collectively and individually dig out from piles upon piles of bad news, misguided decisions, and financial strategies that serve the few and exploit the many, robins arrive.

Yesterday and today, families of robins, some with big, bragging red breasts, have visited the trees along the edge of the forest behind my house. Some come to the birdfeeder, but mostly they seem to be flying and playing and chattering with each other, doing what robins happily do.

It seems early to me that they would arrive while there is still a foot of snow on the ground and much of our perspective and expectation is invested in the idea that we have a lot of "digging out" to do. But the robins offer a different message. Spring is coming! Flying, chattering, and being together still brings joy.

The world is turning and we are not alone in our efforts to bring progress--the earth is supporting us, God is leading, and the natural growth of good is occurring, perhaps unseen beneath the snow, but steadily and surely. We will soon see the miraculous new life that is even now making the change from seed to seedling.

Father/Mother God, sustainer of life, good and loving Friend, we are so thankful we can come to you in any moment, full of peace or full of worry, certain of our next steps or seeking guidance for a clouded way. We are grateful that you care for us even more tenderly than we care for our own children, and thank you for the many gifts of beauty and grace that we receive each and every day. May this Sabbath day be a day of poignant peace for President Obama and his family; may they feel, know, and sense the spring of good growth, the affirmation of good, the song of hope that is strengthening in our people and spreading throughout the land. May the outward signs of hardship begin to give way to the reality of spring--in our hearts, in our families, in our jobs, and in our government. We know spring is indeed coming because we know who You are and we know You love us. May we each and all rest in that knowing today in a special way. Amen.