Disrupted growth

Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Into your hands I commend my spirit,

for you have redeemed me,

O Lord, O God of truth.

Psalm 31:5

As I drive along the highway, I see the vestiges of several recent storms: bare trees with large limbs broken off, as if a giant hand or scythe had cut across them at a particular height. Trees that were just beginning the process of putting forth buds, reaching tentative fingers into the cold spring air, responding to sunlight and the promise of warmth to come.

The evidence of these storms, and of life cut off, will remain for a long time. Years from now, the observant will be able to read the story of the disrupted growth.

And years from now, other life—plants, insects, critters—will have claimed space in this wind-torn territory.

I have traveled the Lenten wilderness many times. Each crossing includes storms and promise, cut-off potential and unexpected growth. This time, as always, it is God who will carry me through. Today, again, I entrust myself to loving hands and step forth.

 

Image by Carola68 Die Welt ist bunt...... from Pixabay