Tag Archives: Catkins

Catkins and Contradictions

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NLT)

Catkins and Contradictions

I love spring and one of my favorite signs of it’s arrival is when the catkins appear on my Pussy Willow trees. This week I went out to admire the branches adorned with soft, white puffs marveling at how they looked against the blue sky. Then, something else caught my eye. There, in the middle of the day, in that same bright, blue sky, was the moon. I know it happens, but it’s so strange to me to be able to see the moon when the sun’s still up and it creates a disconcerting feeling inside of me.

Having the nighttime moon in the sunny daytime sky reminds me that things in this life don’t always make sense. Think about joy walking hand in hand with grief, seeing light in our darkest days, finding blessings in the midst of devastation, or gaining greater faith as we feel least able. These contradictions weave their way throughout my days, pushing and pulling me in different directions and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way. Maybe you know exactly what l mean.

It’s through all that tugging and straining that I question how such complete opposites can show up at the same time just like the moon and sun did.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God.”
Revelation 1:8a (NLT)

Well, it doesn’t get more opposite then that does it? God is the beginning. He’s with us as we step into our circumstances. But….God is also the end, enabling us look back and recognize the gifts those circumstances brought with them. And my friends, He’s with us in all the in-between too!

I think that’s why I love spring so much. It too, is such a contrast with the winter months. Where it seemed there was death, new life springs forth. The long, dark days become lighter. And just about the time I think it will never happen, catkins appear outside my window. I don’t know about you, but to me, it feels an awful lot like hope.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:19a (NIV)

There are so many who I care deeply for walking through challenging times right now. I write this for them, and you too, as a reminder that “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!” (Psalm 30:5) I’m also writing these words for myself to read again and again as I need reminding that though it seems contradictory, impossible even, the moon does shine with the sun and that the Light shines in the beginning, the midst, and at the end of our bleakest days, too. I don’t know about you, but to me, this IS our Hope!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28

It Would Be a Mistake

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)


It Would Be a Mistake

It would be a mistake to think that these past few mild days mean Spring is here. I know from experience that there are more cold, dark days ahead. I also know from experience, that it’s a mistake to think Winter will last forever, too. These little catkins (blooms on a Pussy Willow tree) give me hope! They’re a promise of what’s to come: new life, sunnier days, a fresh start.

I know from experience too, that it’s a mistake to think that our lives are only filled with calm, pleasant days; or, that if we’re frozen in the chill of dark, gloomy times, we’ll stay there forever. We have a Promise of new life, renewal, and days full of Light. We have a Hope!

“Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.” 1 Peter 1:3 (CEV)

Easter is coming!

This is Day 9 of the 10 Day Writing Prompt Challenge hosted by @fiveminutefriday Today’s prompt is: MISTAKE #10daywritingchallenge #writingprompt #fmfparty #hopewriterlife #mistake #Hopespringseternal