Signs of Life

After a brutal 2025 winter, with extreme cold temperatures that lingered longer than many of us ever experienced, we all looked forward to the sunshine and blue skies of spring. Weather is unpredictable.

In the past few years, we have seen floods, droughts, and high winds. Several states suffered huge accumulations of snow and sleet, and many trees could not withstand the stress and fell. Now, as spring approaches, we begin to examine our trees—who are still standing—for signs of life.

And we wonder—how can two elm trees in the same area of the back yard display such a severe contrast? One not only has buds, but tender green leaves are sprouting.

The other is hurt… or perhaps dead?

Two trees. Each suffered the same temperatures. The same quirky weather for years and yet, like people, one survives drastic changes while the other succumbs.

What a perfect picture of our imperfect lives.

We can experience years of health. We can grow and bloom and enjoy anything that comes our way. But one day, when the storms of life invade, we may find ourselves struggling to gather the strength to grow.

The tendency to ask all the “why” questions hits like a tsunami. We often do a comparison study. We ask, Why me? Why now? Why me—and why not them?

And then the winds of despair whip us as the dark clouds create a steady flow of tears and sadness. If this feels familiar, let me tell you—I’ve been there too.

I found a poem I wrote years ago. I’ve never shared it till now, but I feel I should.

Broken

I am just a broken vessel, trying not to fall apart.
Cracked and ugly jagged pieces—
Cold and worthless, empty parts,
Held together, oh so fragile.

A hateful look can knock me down.
One more blow and I will shatter.
Next time when I hit the ground,
The chards and slivers will all scatter.
Parts of me will not be found.

I don’t remember why such sadness filled my heart. I don’t even know what year I wrote this poem. But I do know a Team of Three with the skills and desire to not only pick up our pieces but to give us new life when something inside has died.

The Team of Three: a heavenly Father who wants a relationship with us forever; Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son who took our sins upon a cross and gave us His righteousness; and the gift of the Holy Spirit who is present in us when we accept God’s grace.

Perhaps those we love, turn away. We all seek love—Love that is unconditional. Love that will never abandon us. Love with the ability to forgive us when we fail…for we will fail. But God is love. He never fails us.

In the Christian faith tradition we call this agape love. The truth is, God never lies. It is His nature to love and forgive if we confess our wrongs. He is faithful. He is constant. He is a promise keeper. He is the architect of amazing grace.

Larnelle Harris explains grace in a way my words could never express. Happy Easter Friends. May you enjoy this season and realize if it weren’t for the grace of God, we have no idea where we might be.
https://youtu.be/CeRHyY2I-PU?si=As0QPS-IoeBz_6PR

I know I am loved by a God in heaven who wants me with Him now and for all eternity. Knowing I am chosen, wanted, and loved is His glue! You can know this too. Once you accept Jesus, there will be signs of life. You will bloom and grow!

Here is another favorite from the late Calvin Hunt, a reformed drug addict! Learn how God sees you as you listen to Mercy Saw Me.

https://youtu.be/Prt7STWMcaQ?si=tJnTKnGmXMDOFpv_

Sometimes we are wounded and waiting for signs of life. And then—there is grace, and everything changes. The old is gone; the new has come.

Happy Easter my dear friends,
I love you. God loves you. He always has and He always will. How do you know this is true? He loved you with His Son’s life.
It doesn’t get any better than that!
Donna