A Springtime Difference

Spring break. Every year there are stories of plans for the upcoming spring break. People are looking to get away from the day to day workload and enjoy fun times with family and friends. Posts on social media show photographs of island getaways or mountain retreats. Some families plan a special trip to amusement parks or the aquarium. Folks are looking for a way to find time to rest and relax.

As a young girl, my parents enjoyed planting flowers and vegetables. Each spring, when the weather showed a few days of warmth, Daddy would drive to the local farmers market and choose a variety of seeds to plant. Mama would visit the local flower nursery to find the desired plants to create a colorful landscape in our yard. My task would be to help Daddy and Mama plant the seeds and plants. After the soil was tilled, I made a hole in the ground with my pointer finger. Dropping a seed in the hole, then covering it with dirt completed the planting. Watering would come next. 

For the flowers, Mama would dig a hole in the dirt with her favorite trowel. Then, I would position each marigold, pansy, or petunia, and gently pat dirt around the plants.

There was a process for each planting. If we had planted these seeds and flowers in the middle of winter, they would not have survived. We needed to wait for spring to complete the garden planting.  A small seed planted in the garden can grow and produce many vegetables and fruits. A small flower plant can grow and provide beauty and glorious scents to enjoy.

This planting reminds me of how we can plant the seeds of faith at any time. We don’t have to wait for a particular season. Through our words and actions, we can show the love and glory of God to others. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in every moment can help build and strengthen a relationship with God.

There is always an opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person. We don’t have to know how we have impacted someone. Knowing that we are showing the love of God is what we are called to do.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. 

The simple acts of listening, hearing, looking another person in the eyes, sharing a smile, a hug, and a fist bump are a few of the ways to express love.

Whether you stay at home during spring break, or you travel to a special destination, there is the opportunity to make a springtime difference in the lives of friends, family, and strangers.

Plant the seeds and know God will grow them.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

Happy Spring,

Melissa Henderson