PHOTO: Mary van Balen “Three snows after the forsythia blooms”
How long will it last, O Lord?
Will you be angry for ever?
Will your anger blaze up like a fire?
Mid-Morning (Terce) Ps 79,5
My grandma, Becky, used to share this folk wisdom about forsythia and snow each spring as we waited for warm weather to arrive and stay. While on a walk this morning, I saw these forsythia blooms capped with snow that fell the day before: “One,” I counted.
I relish lingering cold weather, not one to bask in summer heat, but I know I do not share that sentiment with many in this mid-western state. Becky’s adage can also serve as a metaphor for spiritual life and vitality.
As we journey through Lent, we hope for the triumph of Easter Resurrection to fill us with joy and to strengthen our faith. Is Easter what does that? Or is it the waiting, the faithful perseverance of our journey that works this miracle in our souls?
Preparing our souls for Grace is like preparing spring gardens for seed. Tilling, clearing old growth, and breaking up clods of earth make beds to welcome seeds, sun, and water. Lent provides time for practices that do the same for our spirits, so when Easter arrives, we are ready to celebrate and receive the Spirit of the feast.
However, just as a Mid-west spring often is slow to arrive and must suffer snow and freezing temperatures, our spirits may not be ready by Easter Sunday. I have known Easters to come and go while my spirit feels as dry and empty as ever.
Then I remember Becky’s wisdom that even in springtime, snow falls. Like the bright yellow blooms, I try to remain hopeful and have faith that in God’s time, the Son will shine and my heart will be ready and open to bask in the warmth.
© 2011 Mary van Balen
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