Spring has officially sprung. Signs of life are everywhere—and oh, how refreshing that is!

When looking for signs of life, naturally we notice the big ones first. Grass turning green, weeds attempting their annual takeover of our lawns, and leaves as well as a variety of beautiful blossoms adding color once again to the landscape of our neighborhoods. In fact, we get giddy over green this time of year. And, of course, warmer temperatures beckon us out the door every chance we get. Oh yes, delicious spring is here.

If we look a little closer, other signs of life are stirring as well. Have you noticed birds beginning their nesting rituals? After gathering as much dried grass as they can hold in their beaks or finding the longest straw-like weeds they can maneuver through the air, they take flight to the perfect spot they’ve chosen for their coming chicks. Just one more wonder of nature. Just another sign of life.

But no matter the season, signs of life are always around us. Even in winter, we spot smoke rising from a neighbor’s chimney. Someone’s living and moving and breathing inside those four walls. We know someone’s home. We see the evidence.

Unfortunately, sometimes we can see no signs of life. A plant or tree we’ve tended goes brown. We watch for green that never comes. A momma bird faithfully sits on eggs week after week, finally giving up and abandoning her labor of love that never hatched. The ER doctor, desperate to give the waiting family good news, works feverishly to get a heartbeat and see his patient’s chest rise with renewed breath. But alas, no signs of life.

Beyond the signs of life we see in our physical world, what signs of life should we see across the spiritual landscape of our lives? What evidence of the life of Jesus can people see in us?

Can others tell by simply watching us that the Lord is at home in us? Do they see him living and moving in us? Are they able to witness compassion, unconditional love, and forgiveness when they look our way? Will they catch a whiff of joy or gentleness or peace when they draw near?

When others stop to consider us, may they always find evidence of Jesus living in us. No matter the season, may they always find signs of life. Signs of his life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

*How have you seen Jesus in someone lately?

*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! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

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

*My photo