I live in the Pacific Northwest. Every year about this time, people begin counting the days to March 19, circling the date on the family calendar. One morning while walking, someone called out joyfully to GAGE and me, “There are only 31 more days … and this ritual goes on. “Hang in everyone, there are only “x” days until Spring.”

 

IT’S MOSTLY WISHFUL THINKING

for Puget Sound reality is, the weather will likely remain unchanged on the day after Spring officially gets underway, and the one after that. If we are fortunate, we enjoy a week or maybe two of February sunny cold, then the rains return. Northwesterners say (partly in jest) summer will arrive on the fifth of July, after families have done their best to picnic on a chilly, wet 4th, while celebrating America’s Independence Day.

 

I don’t, as a rule, mind the long days of overcast or rain. Seattle is one of the few places you can walk in the rain and never get wet. Like a gentle mist. It’s not my favorite season, but weather is what it is wherever you live. So, if winter’s weariness is bearing down on your spirit, remember there are “x” days left until the clock “springs forward” onto daylight savings time. Until trees and flowers are bursting with new life. Until the temperature is rising. Until the malaise days of winter become the May days of Spring.

 

 

“SPRING FEVER”

is its classic name. A time of the of the year when your children or grandchildren start pulling on the school plug. The hills, parks and beaches—they all beckon. “Hey, why not,” they seem to say. “You have been pushing it hard all winter. You deserve a break. Lighten up a little!

 

This springtime temptation knows no age limits. Moms and dads are infected just like kids. It must be rooted in an undeciphered gene somewhere. The supercharge we’ve made through winter’s cold gives way to the desire to play in the warm sunshine. Sit at sidewalk cafes. Stroll around the neighborhood. Go camping. (Did I really say “camping?”)

 

HERE’S MY REMEDY FOR “SPRING FEVER”

  1. Get out soon and have a great time with friends and family. Hike the hills. Fly a kite. Head for the beaches. Play some softball or some tennis. Dig in the flowers. Enjoy the great outdoors. It’s the Creator’s gift to us. Reminders of Eden’s Garden. Like it was once. Like it will be again. A day or two of this will do you good. It may even hold you over until summer vacation.

 

  1. Face the dreaded “clean out the garage” chore, a reminder we’re not in Eden’s Garden anymore. Paint the whatever. Organize your closets. Tackle your to-do list with fervor and passion. Get it over. Don’t let it weigh you down all the way into the summer. Pick a day (hopefully not Sunday?) and go for the dust, the rust, and the crust!

 

  1. Spring forward spiritually! Every morning, before you head out on the freeway or wherever it is you go, spend some ‘startup time’ with Jesus, even if it’s only 15 or 20 minutes. Early morning with him are the best of times. It sets the tone for the day. Some prayer, some Scripture reading, some thoughtful time practicing his presence. Seeking his wisdom for your day. Giving thanks. Praising him for who he is.

 

  1. Be present with him all day long, no matter who else you’re with, knowing the Holy Spirit is with you, helping to lead and guide you in every choice, decision and conversation.

 

So that’s my remedy and I’m sticking to it. Rain or shine, let’s “spring forward” this Spring with Jesus.