It’s not the prettiest time of year, but it is a welcomed time of year just the same. 

The other day signalled the first day of spring, but I didn’t even realize it because I was more focussed on the dull and dirty landscape. 

Still lining parking lots were rows of snow piled up almost like a screen to keep you from seeing what was in the parking lot next to it. Not that long ago these piles of snow looked more like a mountain range. But with all the melting, the snow piles quickly resembled rolling hills. 

To add to the look, the snow that is left is no longer white but rather grey and filled with gravel and sand to give it an old, rugged appearance.

That’s the start of spring and it’s not very appealing. The grass is still all matted down from the pressure of the snow that has now melted away above it. Our streets have mounds of sand and grime just to add to the dingy appearance of the neighbourhoods.

I remember two years ago, when winter was over, there was so much sand on our church parking lot that we could have created a beach with it all!

It’s also right at the beginning of spring when you also realize how bad we all are at putting garbage in garbage cans. Strewn along curbs and sitting on the lawns, there are cups and paper and lids, plastic of all kinds. 

I take pride in throwing my garbage into waste cans like I’m making a three point shot on a basketball court. But if I miss, I don’t leave my trash; I go pick it up and drop into the bin.

However, it seems like many people assumed that if they missed the garbage can, their trash would melt like the snow by the end of winter. Well, it didn’t melt. And now we are left with lawn decorations that are not fitting at any time of year.

We all know what the signs of spring are – trees beginning to bud, flower sprouts poking ever so slightly out of the ground. And, of course, grass beginning to look like it is alive once more. 

But on the first day of spring, none of these signs are there. There is no hint of what is to come, just the dull, dirty reminder of what we’ve come through.

We welcome this time of year just the same. We do it, not for what it is, but for what will come after it. 

It’s that in between stage, not the prettiest time of year.

You know when your child gets to the stage where their baby teeth are falling out and the new ones aren’t all the way in. And they have started to get a little gangly and their facial features are starting to change? We know that soon their beauty will emerge again, but for right now they are not in their prettiest stage. 

This stage of spring will not last long. And I, for one, am happy about it because I know what’s on the way.

Here’s the thing: You may be going through a not-so-pleasant time in your life. In my experience, those times don’t last forever. One thing I do is pray to God who loves me. I ask Him to bring the change that will be best for me … and God always does.

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What good thing is right around the corner from what you are going through now?  Leave your questions and comments below.

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