Groundhog’s Day

Our majestic Modesto Ash Tree

Happy Groundhog’s Day!   This is the traditional day, smack dab in the middle of winter, when the proverbial groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, exits his abode to predict either an early spring or six more weeks of winter, based on whether he sees his shadow or not.

I haven’t heard if ol’ Phil saw his shadow today or not, but it sure seems like spring has already sprung here in our neighborhood! Our Modesto Ash tree has barely finished dropping its leaves, but once again its yellowish-green puffballs are forming at the tip of each branch. If I hadn’t heard a steady hum above my head, I may not have noticed the bees flying from flower to flower, gathering nectar and pollen for themselves and their hives.   And, as usual when those puffballs arrive, there’s a yellow layer of pollen covering our decks, walkways, cars and outdoor furniture.

Yes, the evidence does seem to say that spring has sprung in Fullerton, California!

Pollen heavy puffballs on our Ash Tree

I love knowing that the Lord can cause an early season of spring in our hearts, even when we are in the midst of deep winter and dark nights of the soul. It’s from those well-fertilized days (read “crappy places”) that He can cause the fruit of His Spirit to grow more abundantly…His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, look more beautiful.  In those challenging times, when I look for His presence and trust His heart and plan, I can say along with the Apostle Paul:

Romans 8:28 “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Lord, help us to trust You. Open our eyes to see the evidence that You truly are working on our behalf. May the light of Your presence during dark days bring us into a season of spring in which Your fruit grows in wild abundance. Amen.