A Prayer in Spring

"Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill."

-Robert Frost

I have had my hands in the dirt again and I couldn't be more thrilled! I've been weeding my garden and planting seeds. I even added a couple varieties of irises and poppies to the array of perennials surrounding our swimming pool.
One afternoon this week, I was pleasantly surprised as I looked out my window to see daffodil sprouts shooting up throughout my garden. When I went out to inspect, I also noticed almost all of my perennials plants reemerging through the soil.
I'm definitely an amateur at this gardening thing, and I wasn't sure if my plants would come back again. The stems and leaves that remained after their winter pruning were terribly brown and lifeless looking. At the sight of the bright green leaves at the base of each plant, I couldn't help but think of the new life God creates in our hearts when He regenerates our souls from death to life. What a beautiful picture to see!
I'm so grateful spring is finally here! (I was starting to think it would never come!) What a glorious season to enjoy!

Candy Girl

I couldn't help but think of my Boo when John showed me this Seinfeld video (except I don't think she has a moron, idiot brain!). Recently, Alyssa and Julianna saved up all their candy for a trip we were planning to take. Both of them had a bucketful by the time we left! Seems like every time I turn around one of them
is chomping on some sort of treat, or I'm stepping on candy wrappers! Julianna, in particular, is always looking for ways to earn or scheme a lollipop or a pack of gum. In fact, candy was
all she wanted for Christmas this year. She is officially our
candy girl.

Whom Shall I Fear?

I am a wallflower.
John and Maggie think it's pretty funny that I think that about myself. But it's true! I've always been quiet and reserved, more shy than outgoing. Although I'd totally prefer to stay at home and hang out with my family all-the-time... on occasion society calls. Now that the boys are in school those occasions are becoming more frequent. Just yesterday, I had a meeting with Spencer's teacher. And the day before, he had a school performance. When in public, as silly as it seems, I often wonder if I don't look at other people, maybe they won't speak to me. But it's inevitable my eyes wander, and someone says "hello" and introduces his or herself.
I called my sister on the way home from Spencer's performance to see if she also feels awkward in those situations. (I was happy to hear she does). I'm not sure why, but in a roomful of women relatively the same age as me, I still feel like I'm fifteen. Even when meeting with Spencer's teacher I came away thinking I sounded like a big doofus. John and I talked about how I scrutinize the way I come across to people and the pride it reveals in my heart. I want to sound good. I want people to respect me.
This morning, I was reminded of my true position in this world as I listened to Casting Crowns in the car. Although I am not crazy about the tune, the words are perfect:

"I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours"

Praise God, He doesn't give up on me... but chooses to use me in spite of my sinfulness. Even if I am a big doofus. ;)