A new season

Budding magnolia tree in the Francican Garden behind my flat taken this week!

I don't think I really understood the glories of spring until I moved to the Czech Republic. The expectancy after a long, bitter winter was something I had not ever experienced. Where I grew up, it was usually green and sunny during the winter months - an extension of fall with a few colder days. Not so in Prague. A harsh reality for a Texas girl.  

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. The cooling off after the oppressive heat, crispy air, and crunchy leaves have always made my heart sing. I would look forward to that. Spring always seemed like pre-summer. Most of the time it was just a slightly warmer (sometimes hot) variation of winter with flowers. Yeah, the flowers were pretty (red clover and bluebonnets, anyone?), but I preferred the painted leaves.

But spring in Prague, now that is a different thing altogether. Chirping birds, longer sunlight, and budding trees make the days a bit brighter and easier to bear. The early morning chill lies lightly on the day waiting to be lifted up along with the sun. And there is a heat behind the coolness-the promise of warmth as the day progresses. So welcome after the harshness of winter.

And now, I long for the season to change, some evidence that winter is moving on. It is a reminder that hard seasons don’t last. That God always brings about new things, something fresh. Especially this year when we have been isolated and the winter seemed longer, more difficult than usual.

I went for a walk today (without a jacket!). The sunshine and warmer temperatures were calling to me. Things aren’t blooming yet but there are buds just waiting to open.

I need to be a little more patient.

Are you waiting for some change in your life? Let me know in the comments. I am waiting with you.

Flower photos from Easter 2019