Have you ever heard of the bible study or small group practice in which each participant goes around and tells a thorn, a rose, and a bud? The thorn is something that has not been going well. The rose is something that is going well. The bud is something that is just starting; something hopeful; something that awaits blossoming.
Spring is the perfect time to focus on our “buds.” I am not sure about all of the other states, but here in Michigan, buds are everywhere. The trees are budding their leaves. The flowers and plants are budding. It is beautiful and exciting to watch everything grow green and colorful.
Something else is budding. Our relationship with Jesus. We are still in the springtime celebration of the Easter season. Jesus’ body has blossomed at His resurrection. There is even a book in the Bible, the Song of Songs, that describes the beauty of springtime.
My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my dove, my fair one, and come away; for behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away (Song of Songs 2:10-13). …
