There’s nothing more beautiful than spring. It’s that glorious time of the year when the earth experiences a joyful period of rebirth and renewal. Flowers bloom, trees blossom and suddenly butterflies, birds and many of God’s smallest creatures reappear after a long cold winter. The trees turn a lovely shade of green and nature awakens from its winter slumber. From the celebration of Passover to Easter, the beauty of spring draws us closer to God and nature. It invigorates us with a new appreciation of the world around us. Beautiful daffodils wave their golden heads and cherry trees blossom. In the warming breeze, a small bird darts from tree to tree and sings the praises of a new season and a new beginning.[pullquote4 align=”right” style=”width:300px;”]The Fragrance
Season’s hay, cut in mounds
Horses waiting upon the grounds.
Hay’s fresh scent rising above
Golden butterflies flitter in love.
Yellow hay piled high in spring
Earth gives life a precious thing.
The fragrance of newly cut hay
Floats skyway in the heat of the day.
Horses stagger under a heavy load
Searching for footing up the steep road.
The old wagon creaks and rolls along
As sparrows dart-about singing their song.
A hard day’s work is done for the day
As reapers and horses harvest the hay.
Gentle breezes blow across silent fields;
Workers bowed in prayer over evening’s meal.[/pullquote4]
I especially love spring in the country. As kids living on a farm, we’d wake up with a new energy and excitement. Farm life wasn’t easy though as there were always a lot of chores. Hay season came around and we’d jump on our old tractor, cut the hay and then bail it. Family members would help load the hay in our old truck. Then we’d move the hay to the top of the barn with a hoist while some of the older men carried the bails up the ladder on their shoulder. This hard work was invariably followed by a great meal prepared by grandma. Yes, spring for us kids was a world of adventure whether we were swimming in the creek or working hard with the family.One thing, however, was glaringly missing. We never shared prayer in our home and somehow, through all the fun and good times, I always felt a void. I couldn’t put my finger on it but I always knew something was missing. Don’t let this happen in your life. Take time every day to talk to God. Pray with your family. God will always be there to listen to your prayers and offer you counsel.
Season’s hay, cut in mounds
Horses waiting upon the grounds.
Hay’s fresh scent rising above
Golden butterflies flitter in love.
Yellow hay piled high in spring
Earth gives life a precious thing.
The fragrance of newly cut hay
Floats skyway in the heat of the day.
Horses stagger under a heavy load
Searching for footing up the steep road.
The old wagon creaks and rolls along
As sparrows dart-about singing their song.
A hard day’s work is done for the day
As reapers and horses harvest the hay.
Gentle breezes blow across silent fields;
Workers bowed in prayer over evening’s meal.[/pullquote4]
I especially love spring in the country. As kids living on a farm, we’d wake up with a new energy and excitement. Farm life wasn’t easy though as there were always a lot of chores. Hay season came around and we’d jump on our old tractor, cut the hay and then bail it. Family members would help load the hay in our old truck. Then we’d move the hay to the top of the barn with a hoist while some of the older men carried the bails up the ladder on their shoulder. This hard work was invariably followed by a great meal prepared by grandma. Yes, spring for us kids was a world of adventure whether we were swimming in the creek or working hard with the family.One thing, however, was glaringly missing. We never shared prayer in our home and somehow, through all the fun and good times, I always felt a void. I couldn’t put my finger on it but I always knew something was missing. Don’t let this happen in your life. Take time every day to talk to God. Pray with your family. God will always be there to listen to your prayers and offer you counsel.
According to several comprehensive studies, patients who receive prayer have fewer and less severe new illnesses, fewer doctor visits, and fewer hospitalizations and are generally in better moods than those who receive no prayer. Health and the Scriptures have always been intertwined and when used together, are a powerful medicine for the hurting and comfort for those around them.
Exodus 23:25 – “. . . and I will take away sickness from among you.”
Faith in God grows by prayer; hope sustains you until help and healing arrives.