January Blooms

There is  a starkness in what I see in the world around me in these days of January.  Gone are the beautiful lights of Christmas from homes and the countryside.  Our home is barren of the Christmas tree with gifts in colored paper beneath it.    The sounds of happy laughter  from Christmas guests and expressions of glee as gifts are open are heard no more in our home.   The foliage of trees and plants  outside my window are a memory from yesterday and a hope for the future.     As I stare outside my window on this cold January day, a smile comes to my face as I see the yellow and black blooms of pansies.    Despite the cold winds and plunging temperatures, they add beauty and color to the stark countryside.    As I see the pansies on this January day, I recall these words from Isaiah 35:1-2 where we read:

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, ² it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
    the splendor of our God.

I love pansies.  They are a welcome sight on a cold January day as is a crocus blooming in the desert.  Like the countryside I see outside my window on this January day, the world of 2016  seems so barren and dark. Oh, to be like the pansies and the crocus and to bloom with the love and grace of God.  Let it be, Lord.  Let it be in and through me.  Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   O Lord and God, thank you for this day and this season of the year.  This day and every day, may your love that resides in my heart be known through my words and deeds;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.