April

In his classic children’s series, “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” C S Lewis describes for us the transformational change, which will certainly occur when the King breaks into time and space. “Wrong will be right when Aslan comes in sight at the end of his roar sorrows will be no more when he bares his teeth, winter has met its death and when he shakes his main we shall have spring again!”

Springtime is lush with rebirth, new beginnings, and new growth. The temptation is to rush to the Easter celebration of the resurrection. But first, we must embrace the process of Lent, which leads us through the desert days of sacrifice to fully embrace the joy of Easter. In Lent, we dedicate ourselves to the disciplines of prayer, study, worship, and service. We will continue on this process throughout this month of April as we anticipate the celebration of the Easter resurrection.

Spring planting is anticipated in April. Yet it can’t be rushed. We cannot hurry the normal growing process. Seeds need time to sprout, take root, and grow. Yelling at them will not work! It all takes time. We live in a culture, which places an inordinate amount of pressure to rush through. Seeds teach us that we need to learn to wait, to develop patience as we mature and grow. The temptation is to become impatient.   The excitement of immediate gratification is a product of our time.  The transition from Lent to Easter teaches patience and trust.

During this month of April as we experience a shift from Lent to Easter, learn the lessons from seeds, which soon will be sown in our fields, gardens and flower beds. Not all grow at the same rate. There is diversity in the rate of growth. Some start early, others late. Late sprouts often become early bloomers. Growth is rarely even. Yet, it is the Lord who gives the increase.

A busy and productive month of April is upon us. Take advantage of the opportunity placed before you. Bloom where you are planted, be a blessing, gossip the Gospel, be a sermon in shoes.