Joy

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” James 1:17

Spring has arrived and the aspens and maples are full of tiny, emerald green leaves. Running yesterday, I paused before the snowy white blossoms of sugarplum trees. Beyond the Pilgrim River valley lay the shimmering, manicured greens of the golf course, surrounded by the soft green of birch and aspen. The scene looked like something from New England and it was only a few miles from home.

On Friday, Jodi and I walked the railroad grade which previously had been gray and drab, surrounded by trees that were gray and drab. Now the spring colors of lilacs, birch, sugarplum, and little maples lined the grade, making the dull gray look like an enticing path to somewhere. Down by the Swedetown Creek, marsh marigolds bloomed, and occasional trilliums showed their white faces.

I’m sure the wonder of spring will wear off soon, but in the meantime I’m aware that this world is absolutely beautiful. For God, in all His love and goodness, didn’t make just one type of tree to be enjoyed, but thousands. He didn’t make just one species of bird to listen to, or one flower to brighten up the earth. Even the variety in nature shows the love He has for the people He created. Spring brings a joy that can only be made full and complete in God. It is a reminder that every good and perfect gift IS from above.