The green sprigs of hope

We are enjoying beautiful weather this Eastertide. Fine days with warm sun.

But always in the background are sounds and signs of sadness – the bombings in Sri Lanka, a family devastated by the suicide of their father, the grief of a family whose daughter has died after a long battle with illness.

Our optimism and hope are so easily crushed.

But then, sitting outside, feeling the breeze and warm sunshine, I was captivated by a pair of robins nesting in the garden.

To and fro to the nest they went, obviously feeding babies. Their constancy and purposeful flight reminded me of both God’s care for us, never ending, and mankind’s care for one another, because there is much of it in the world if we look.

Easter is a time of renewal, of hope. Even at our saddest, even when we ask questions that can’t be answered, the green sprigs of hope somehow keep growing. The trees that surround us are bursting into life.

Renewal is all around us. May we also be renewed and strengthened in this season of resurrection.

Easter blessings to you all.