I’m sure that most of us are familiar with the term “power couple.” According to Internet definitions, oftentimes a power couple seems to have a fairy tale romance. Also, “both parties involved in the power couple have tremendous influence over people around them because of their devastating good looks and seemingly perfect relationship with their significant other. This pair can be a popular or wealthy pairing that intrigues and fascinates the public in an intense or even obsessive fashion." Most often a common type of power couple is between a male athlete and an actress and/or singer. However, there are couples from soap operas, film, sports, and entertainment that can be a power couple. So we may think of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or Bill and Linda Gates. In the fictional dimensions, we could consider Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara, and Romeo and Juliet.
Today, I was thinking of Joseph (Mary’s husband, foster father of Jesus) and Mary as a unique “power couple.” They certainly have had a tremendous influence over our lives because of their way of being; living out of a center of courage, integrity, and deep faith. Their world was turned upside down and inside out, all with a simple response of “Yes” and their listening to dreams which gave them new purpose and direction. Truly they were people of beauty, holiness, and joy.
Another “power couple” is – now I’m taking poetic license – Winter and Spring. As I write this post, I am watching the fog encircle the barren field out my window, while large snowflakes dance across the landscape as well. Winter’s push and pull - desiring to stay a little longer is not to easily wooed by the vernal equinox to let spring awaken.
Personally, I’m eager for the warmth and beauty of spring. We here in the northern hemisphere are grateful for its quiet arrival. The vernal/spring equinox arrives at 11:57 a.m. Central Standard Time. We pray that our sisters and brothers in the southern hemisphere enjoy the season of autumn. May we all be blessed.
About Spring
Spring is the season between winter and summer. It's the time of year when life begins again in nature. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins on the day the center of the sun is directly over the equator. Usually, on March 20th, the sun crosses the equator and starts northward. As it travels north, its rays strike the northern countries more directly each day. Spring lasts until June 20 or 21. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring begins in September and ends in December. Spring begins a few hours earlier in Leap Year.
Thresholds by John O’Donohue
“Within the grip of winter, it is almost impossible to imagine the spring. The gray perish landscape is shorn of color. Only bleakness meets the eye; everything seems severe and edged. Winter is the oldest season; it has some quality of the absolute. Yet beneath the surface of winter, the miracle of spring is already in preparation; the cold is relenting; seeds are wakening up. Colors are beginning to imagine how they will return. Then, imperceptibly, somewhere one bud opens and the symphony of renewal is no longer reversible. From the black heart of winter a miraculous, breathing plentitude of color emerges.” (From: To Bless the Space Between Us)
Quotes:
• Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams
• Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson
• No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ~Hal Borland
• Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft
• The day God created hope was probably the same day God created Spring.
~Bern Williams
Ready for Spring (by Annette L. Sherwood, 2013)
I stand here watching
waiting, listening
in early Spring
I see the tiny bud
shooting up from
the tip of the branch
in anticipation, I remain still
I take in the cold air,
watching a few snowflakes fall by,
even feeling some of them
melt on my cheek
I breathe in this Holy moment
I did not plant the seed,
nor spend effort to encourage
original years of growth
No, that was not my work
only yours, Dear
I stand here with you now,
holding your hand,
awaiting Spring
We've made it through
another harsh spell,
cold, windy, bare
facing together a New Season,
we stand in a patch of wet snow
as it melts at our feet
Here I am, to Rejoice with you
as we experience New Growth
little buds are formed,
the flowering has already begun
together or apart, we delight
and share this moment
knowing New Life,
fresh perspective, and green leaves
are arriving,
even as the last storm is passing…
Spring starts blossoming now
The winter of our hearts will
begin to fade into cold
distant memories
Joy begins sprouting
with our eyes,
in our smiles,
as it softens our hearts,
leading us to laughter
Hope enters,
which we know
will bud,
into the flower,
and then the seed,
gently dropping to feed the birds
The passing order of this Season
feels like it is rooting us on
toward New Life
Before long,
these cold days will pass away
into warm ones with
mild breezes
and
Easter Blessings
carrying a new promise for Life
In Gratitude,
I bear witness
to Your Beautiful Spring
and Celebrate!
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