Harbingers

The final harbinger of Spring has shown itself.  Around these parts folks watch for different things to announce that Winter's hold is broken and Spring is on the edge of breaking out.  The greening of the hay fields with winter weeds is one, the blooming of fruit trees is another, and the strong impossible to resist urge to plant a garden is still another.  But, the real and final harbinger of Spring around here is the budding out of the pecan trees.  When the pecan trees start putting on leaves, most folks are ready to declare Spring is coming.  The pecan trees are starting to show green.

The disciples of Jesus often became obsessed with the signs which would announce the coming of the Kingdom of God.  (Matthew 24:3)  As Jesus responded to their questions, He pointed more to upheaval than order and to threatening times rather than peaceful times.  And, most importantly, He said it was better to simply watch and be ready rather than get too focused on being a sign reader.  Being watchful and ready is still a good word.

Not even the greening of pecan trees is a sure sign that winter is gone.  Only a fool would dismiss the possibility of a late grabbing cold hand of old man winter.  It is wiser to live with a readiness for whatever.  It is also true on this journey of faith.  Whatever is always out there.  Be ready.  We live in readiness by nurturing our soul.  We nurture our soul by choosing to stay connected to the source of our life.  The source of our life is God, the Creator, the Son, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our guide.