Only recently did I encounter the first day I smelled the scent of flowers outside. I’m not sure if it was the buds on the trees or the flowers on the field of clover that covers my yard. Nothing else was flowering yet. But, the change of smell is one more sign that the depth of winter is behind us for this year. Spring slowly awakens. (I know that some of you suffer from allergies so badly that the smell of blossoms is not a beautiful thought, so maybe you can have another symbol of a slow awakening—simply the warmth of the sun and wind on your skin, perhaps.) This week you are invited to pause, breathe, and become aware of the signs of gentle change in your life.

Settle Yourself: Release

Get your body in a comfortable position. Take several deep breaths. Become aware of any tension in your body. Imagine Holy Spirit entering you as you breath in. Then let the breath of the Spirit minister to the tension or pain in your body. Release the tension as you exhale.

Listen: Rest in the Word

Read the passage slowly and more than once. Hear God speak this to you.
Song of Songs 2:10-13

My lover said to me,
Rise up, my darling!
Come away with me, my fair one!
Look, the winter is past,
and the rains are over and gone.
The flowers are springing up,
the season of singing birds has come,
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.
The fig trees are forming young fruit,
and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.
Rise up, my darling!
Come away with me, my fair one!

Breathe deeply as you let the word settle in your body.

Reflect: Feast on the Word

What stands out to you?
What speaks to your heart?

Reflect on what caught your attention. What about that word or phrase connects to how it is with your soul? Is there little sign of life might God be showing you? Is there a timeless truth might God be awakening during this change of season? How would you complete this statement: “God, you are revealing to me…”?

Pray

Invite Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
Thank God for any sign of His new life in your life. No sign of life is too small or too big. Receive the warmth of God’s love and forgiveness into places in your soul that feel wintery. Enjoy resting in the warmth of God’s love.

Speak out truth to yourself about God’s love. What invitation from God might you be sensing?

How would you complete the following prayer? “God, you are inviting me to ________. I respond by _________.”