Notice how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t wear themselves out with work, and they don’t spin cloth. But I say to you that even Solomon in all of his splendor wasn’t dressed like one of these.

-Matthew 6:28-29

Today I pray you go outside and look up at the trees.
Notice the little blossoms at the end of the branches.

Then look down at the ground.
See how the grass is just a little greener today than it was last week.
Notice the daffodil and tulip shoots breaking forth,
Even through the snow.

Just like the flowers, we eventually break forth out of teh darkness of the soil.
Just like the trees, we need the warmth of the sun,
the rain of tears,
the pain of growing,
and the breath of fresh air in our lungs,
in order to blossom.

And just like you would never shame the trees for taking too long to grow leaves,
or the flowers too long to come up from the ground,
or the buds too long to bloom,
Give yourself some grace, too.
Growing, blossoming, and becoming take time.
Be gentle with yourself.

And trust that, whether you are still deep in your winter,
or showing signs of spring,
I pray you know that God is with you:
tending your soil,
pruning your branches,
and shining her light upon your face.