The Crocus

My life seemed to be in a slump, and I felt stuck. I went outside hoping a breath of fresh air would cheer me up. The snow had almost disappeared, and a cacophony of bird calls welcomed the spring. A soft southwesterly breeze greeted me, and the warmth of the sun on my face was delightful. A small patch of purple crocuses had bravely pushed through a clump of snow. I wondered how such tiny, delicate flowers had overcome the daunting obstacle of the frozen ground. It was a miracle — a hopeful sign of new life. I began to feel better as I reflected on the lilies of the field and the birds of the air that Jesus spoke about, marveling at his providential care.

Not everything in life comes easily. We are faced with hard choices, challenges, and obstacles at every turn. But when we walk with God we are not alone. God does not always remove our difficulties but gives us the wisdom to accept the struggle, the courage to meet the challenge, and the strength to overcome. We need only to ask.