The hope of spring

It is the time of year when winter gets old. March can be a dreary month in Minnesota. Scott calls this time "the black hole of sports" because football season is finished and baseball season hasn't yet begun. (It kicks off this weekend. GO TWINS!) You get kind of in a rut with school, too. When you're in the middle of the semester, you're overwhelmed with homework, and the classes never seem like they're going to end. And it's Lent, the season to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for our sins. I give up chocolate every year, and that's always a good self-control exercise for me, but it's still kind of rough. However...

I'm thankful for the hope of spring because it can renew my optimism in everything. It's been raining in Minneapolis and the grass is turning green again. I have some gorgeous, multi-colored roses on my computer desk that make me smile, particularly because of the kind intention behind the gift. Looking forward to summer--in fact, looking forward to anything--is very good for the soul. It gives us the motivation to keep moving through life. Easter is a refreshing time to appreciate the newness of life.