Nicole’s e-Pistle
March 26, 2025
Greetings, Friends!
Though we are still in the season of Lent, and we are therefore in a reflective state of mind as we journey together toward the cross on which Jesus died for us… I say to you, Happy Spring!
One of my favorite things about living in Northwest Georgia is the existence of seasons! My home state may be called “La Florida” for its plant life, but I loved watching the vibrant greens of summer turn to crimson, orange, and gold in autumn. This year, our newly planted holly bushes put out the most beautiful red berries. While the plants are still young and leggy, I look forward to asking our congregation’s gardening gurus to help me shape them into an attractive hedge. And now, I have the immense joy of watching the stages of spring unfold.
I have learned that Bradford Pears are the culprit of many seasonal allergies, but I loved watching them bloom so quickly, just after the daffodils, which marked the beginning of early spring. This week, I have frequently neglected my activities to gaze at the cherry trees in the front of the Martin House, which I can see from my desk chair. I also confess to having spent some time researching flowering trees, so I can appeal to my HOA to allow us to plant something beautiful in our front yard… (I am taking suggestions – I would love a tree that flowers in the spring and has fall colors in autumn).
I also learned during my research that the cherry trees will only bloom for up to two weeks before the blossoms are replaced by new leaves. I am torn between being saddened by the fleeting nature of the blooms and a stronger urge to soak in the beauty for as long as possible. It reminds me of Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers; the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Spring reminds us of the promise of new life in Christ. It reminds me as well of Ecclesiastes 3…
1 For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to break down and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek and a time to lose;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
(I might also add a time for allergies and a time to breathe easily…)
May this season bring you all the joy you can handle and may the passing of each blossom make way for new life to break through, literally and figuratively.
Blessings and peace,
