From Winter to Spring

I wonder in these last wanderings through Lent

As winter turns into spring

And Lent leads to ressurrection

If my heart is ready....

Have I uncovered enough of what my soul contains?

Or is there hurt lingering or anger masked over

Have I opened the wound to reveal the source--

And have I allowed healing instead of a heaping portion of bitterness?

Have I been able to look at my neighbor with new eyes

Do I see the pain that lingers there or do I make judgements--

So that my own guilt can be pushed down and not rear its ugly head

In my own wildnerness time, have I looked plainly and clearly in the mirror?

Uncovering takes courage, but yields new life

Unearthing is hard work but reveals

The depth of the rich soil at the roots

And allows for the new to spring forth vividly

I realize all my best intentions fall short

When don't surrender all my guilt and shame--

When I don't allow the transformation to occur

For I am washed clean by the blood of Christ

I recognize those blossoms and it is a sure sign of hope

Leaving winter behind and surging toward spring

Surrendering all to be changed by the wilderness journey

And walking toward the Cross of Calvary