Prayer

The long, dark winter of our discontent is coming to an end. OK, maybe a bit dramatic, but this has been the longest, most relentless winter I can remember. I remember some that had more snow, some that were colder, some with more ice, but all of these were weather events that came and went in just a week or two. This year the bad weather seemed to go on forever.

But the robins have returned. Soon the Swallows will return to Capistrano, and the Buzzards to Hinckley. My neighbor has brought his lawn furniture out and put it on his deck. Jackets and heavy coats are being cleaned. My cats are shedding like mad. It is as though the whole northern hemisphere is taking a collective big breath and sigh of relief. No, not everything is hunky-dorey, but it feels like a big weight has been removed, and we can rejoice.

New every morning is your love for us, and our rejoicing in you, O God. We rejoice this day as Spring begins to take over where winter has so long held us. We rejoice to see the flowers pop their heads above the ground and the birds begin to return from their wintering places. We rejoice as we work our way through Lent and are drawn ever closer to you. Lift us up, and open our eyes that we might see the wonders of your creation.