The breeze is cool, but the sun is warm and the sky is bright blue. The grass is beginning to green, there is bird song as well as buds and flowers emerging all around campus. At last, spring has begun.
Winter always seems long and dark, with its short days and long nights, icy winds and snow. As the seasons change, I am always filled with new hope to see the early signs of life on the lawns, in the forests, and across campus. I enjoy all the seasons for different reasons, but I am grateful that winter does not last all year long.
What does this season of new life bring for you?
What opportunities and possibilities lay ahead?
What hopes and dreams are ready to spring to life?
While this is the time of the semester when the load of work and deadlines may begin to seem overwhelming, it is also the time of approaching transitions. New growth all around us is a reminder of all sorts of growth and development and change. Whether this is your first year on campus, your last, or something in-between, God’s blessings and care are with you as you take on the changes and challenges that are coming. Pray for God to guide and support you, to surround you with mentors who can offer wise guidance. And trust that the God who knew you from the very beginning continues to care for and nurture you as you complete this semester and prepare for the months to come. May the warm sun remind you of God’s care. May the spring colors remind you of all the blessings God showers on you. May the new beginnings of flowers and plants remind you that each new day is another new beginning.
Prayer
God of the spring,
Thank you for the new life coming forth all around!
Let winter’s long and tiring burden end.
Let spring’s light and newness fill me with hope and vision.
Open my mind and my heart to all that lays ahead.
Surround me with wise people to help and guide me.
Fill me with courage and insight as I complete this season’s tasks and begin to consider what is next.
Reassure me that you are with me always.
Amen.