All Things New

 

The chorus of songbirds has begun to echo each dawn.  Why do they sing? Scientists have theories, but to me it seems a chorus of joy, a spontaneous celebration of the new day. Their songs have a sense of life and hope about them. The robin says "chirry up!" The cardinal answers "What cheer, cheer, cheer." 

Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's birth? Edward Giobbi

All kinds of buds are opening, the lawns greening, the trees showing some life. We find great joy, great hope in these signs. The cold death of winter loses its strength, warm days of promise are ahead, and new life, suddenly, is all around us. New life is at our door. It blesses us. We have been given the chance to start over, and start with a fresh slate. Anything is possible. 

Earth is crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes.  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The soft velvet of an infant's cheek brings tears to our eyes, reminds us of vulnerability and possibility, of the miracle of life. Nothing touches us so deeply. This is the promise we treasure, and we celebrate each new milestone: the first smile, the first word, the first step, the first day at school. 

The Christian tradition often speaks of newness, a new order, a clean slate. I rest in that promise, especially this year. 

1 Peter 1:3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

So I share with you this prayer poem from Celtic Daily Prayer... from the Northumbria Community...

If my lips could sing as many songs

as there are waves in the sea:

if my tongue could sing as many hymns

as there are ocean billows:

if my mouth

filled the firmament with praise:

if my face

shone like the sun and moon together:

if my hands

were to hover in the sky like powerful eagles

and my feet

ran across mountains as swiftly as the deer:

all that would not be enough

to pay You fitting tribute,

O Lord my God.

                                              -Unknown author

Chopin's Spring Waltz

Many blessings to you for this spring season and this Holy Week. Please leave your links in the comments below and I will round them up throughout the day or days ahead.

Join Ruth at There is No Such Thing as a God-forsaken Town as she ponders redemption and shares a  John O'Donnell poem.

Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise reminds us of Christ's commandment.

Find Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche to read her artists prayer.

Don't miss Fran Haley's post at Lit Bits and Pieces as she shares her journey of hope.

A Golden Shovel poem digs deep into renewal at Ramona's  Pleasures from the Page.

Carol Varsalona shares delight at the end of an arduous journey at Beyond Literacy Link

Chris Margocs joins us today, with her post at Horizon 51.  Welcome, Chris!