New Life Abounds!

Ah, April… The month of budding trees, flowers peeking out of the ground, and migrating birds returning to their summer homes. All manner of creatures are preparing spaces for the next generation to emerge including two of my nieces who are each expecting their second child. It’s a wonderful time of year to engage all of who we are in the newness that springs forth within and all around us!

Blog contributor A.S. reflects this in her comment. She says, “Whenever I feel stuck, I pause and focus on my senses; what do I see, hear, feel, smell? These extraordinary gifts remind me how alive I am and are the conduit to all of that life and beauty around me. The gray fuzziness comes into focus and allows me to see the budding of the trees, to hear the scampering feet of a squirrel, to smell the damp dew of an early morning and to feel the warmth of the sun shining down on me. I am life and new life surrounds me and fuels my soul!”

This is an amazing way to experience new life. We have the ability to have a fully immersive encounter with all the pieces of ourselves as we take in what is changing and growing in every corner of life. Creation continues to expand and unfold right before our eyes, our ears, our noses, and our skin just waiting for us to notice and engage and participate in that very creation.

Blog contributor A.M. expands this notion even further stating, “New life is always sprouting up & around everything in my opinion - it seems even more when the seasons change, though, as it always allows for a new season to bloom - new weather, new habits, new flowers, new hobbies, new ways. All seasons bring more than just a change of scenery - they bring a chance to experience things in a new light always.”

“Experience things in a new light…” What is something that seems commonplace in life that we can see or experience differently? How can we come alongside it with new eyes and understanding? So many things have the potential for passing us by because we’re so used to them being part of our reality. Our spouses and partners, the space we live in, our family units all offer us an opportunity to experience them in a new light if we take the time to do so.
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In the Christian imagination, we reflect on new life as we await Easter and the promises of the resurrection. The promises of the Spirit who offers new life no matter our age or stage of life. The Spirit is always creating within and around us just waiting for us to notice what is springing forth. So, let’s try to be intentional about noticing the newness within creation, immersing ourselves in it, and experiencing all of life in a new light.