Welcoming Spring
While lacking view of winter’s
hidden vibrancy
hope still arises this Vernal Equinox.
Possibilities of new
life draw us to welcoming Spring
this eternal miracle
of Mother Earth tilting
on her axis while spinning in
space is most incredible
magnificent, and lovely.
Together with the holy
rotation, our breaths deepen
equally inhaling and exhaling
air warming as our spirits
unfurl from protective curling
against the cold of winter.
By new moon dark skies
overflowing clouds pour out rain.
Huge flocks of robins arrive
filling tree after tree with orange.
Divine Nourishing Energy
balances the cycles
of death and rebirth, dark and light
appearing right before our eyes
and Spring is gently welcomed here.
Psalm 130 A Song of Ascents
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
God himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
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Last Sunday our congregation welcomed our new Great Plains Conference Bishop David Wilson. We were nearly as expectant of our new bishop as we are for spring to arrive following months of cold and snow! Through stories of his mother and the small church that nurtured him in his early years (and continues to do so), he reminded us in many ways of the United Methodist connection of which we continue to be a proud part. Bishop Wilson is the first Native American to hold this important leadership position. It’s a big deal for him and for us! As time goes on, we will continue to learn more about how his life and ours intersect.
This week’s Psalm is a prayer for all times. When suffering, we really do need to know that someone is with us in our trials. Eventually, all of us go through the valley of the shadow of death and in desperation may cry out in a voice we may not recognize,
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.”
Yet suffering does not tell the entire story of our lives. Especially in times of uncertainty, God meets us where we are and gives us hope through unfailing love and forgiveness.
Signs of hope and assurance will appear for those who wait. I felt assured of hope last Sunday when hearing the music and watching the congregation come up for Holy Communion. Seeing the leaves of the daffodils, tulips, crocus, and iris popping through the mulch is another sign.
So, let’s unfurl our winter hearts and prepare to be nurtured by the beauty of nature! Coming soon to a garden spot near you.
God’s love, peace, and creativity to your spirit,
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2023-03-22