Budding: New Growth in Spring and in Life

Have you noticed them yet this season? Budding trees. They whisper promises of things to come, slip us reminders of spring’s unfailing relief from winter’s frigid toll. One day they nudge us and say, “Look at us. New growth! There’s hope after all . . .”, while on another they call out, “Look at us! We’re budding! What will you become?!”

I love how the seasons speak to us on deeper levels and give us encouragement to grow or rest, to persevere or hope. Spring has the privilege of bringing hope to weary souls and inspiring us to branch out or reach for new heights. It works wonders in our world and in our hearts, and each year its work in our lives might be a little different.

The image of growth in spring has influenced how we see so many things. We’ve all heard people say, “He’s a budding artist” or “She’s a budding musician”, and they’re usually referring to children or teens. But I can’t help but notice, in the natural world, that even old trees bud year after year. New growth and the promise of things to come grace them as well.

And to be honest, probably none of us reading this post today are children or teens. We’re all older trees, if you will, though some of us are indeed older than others. The good news is that old trees bud! We’re not only capable of growth, it’s expected.

So what’s budding in our lives as we head into spring this year? What evidence of growth can be seen on our branches? Are we mastering a new skill or using some new technology? Are we displaying strength or peace in the face of adversity? As believers, are we looking more like our Savior each year?

If you don’t feel like you’re growing right now, it’s not too late to start. Get out there and start budding! Rejoice in the promise of things to come!

“In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6 NIV

*Is there something budding in your life right now? If not, what would you like to see bud?

*I hope this slightly revised encore post from March 2011 blesses you today!

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early May. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by James BoweCreative Commons License

Comments

  1. Cheryl, this is a season of pushing through hard things – my sister moving away, getting used to my best friend’s husband being with Jesus, learning to use a cell phone, helping my husband’s sister make a long-distance move. Every one of these is filled with roadblocks (ay-yi-yi, the phone companies are HORRIBLE), obstacles, decisions without enough information, and sadness. Yikes. God has been proving the next steps just one at a time, and the wisdom just one teaspoonful at a time in every situation.

    • Jana, so sorry to hear how about the hard season you’re going through. Loss is so hard and you’re experiencing it on multiple fronts. I’m so sorry. I pray that you will keep trusting God for each next step and each teaspoonful of wisdom he is giving. My heart goes out to you.

      I’m in a very demanding season right now and am just taking things one step at a time. My word for the year is “depend” and I’m depending on God to guide me and help me with each issue. And he is being faithful to do it, just as he is being faithful to you. So glad we don’t have to face life without him!

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