“A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of our GOD stands forever.”   ….But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:6‭-‬8‭, ‬31 NLT

Have you looked outside lately? I know that in different areas of the country and the world experience spring in very distinctive ways. Even here, in central Oklahoma, we have vastly unique days for the seasons. One day during the spring months can be sweltering with the heat and humidity, while the next will be cool and breezy. We can have snow, rain, hail, earthquakes, and tornados on the same day – in the same area! (I call it “snowquakenado” season 😉 ) The earth in the north and western hemispheres is experiencing spring now. It is a time of regrowth and renewal in both plants and animals. Being able to go outside and feel the breeze, and to smell the sweet smells of blooming flowers and cut grass, is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I am both blessed and cursed to have a huge quarter acre lot within a housing development. Blessed because of the trees and bushes I’ve planted, with plenty of space for flowers and relaxing without having the next door houses right on top of me; cursed (but in a good way!!) because it’s a lot of work to keep up! Sometimes in the heat of summer or the frozen winter months, I wish for less, but spring reminds me of the blessings. I mean, how many people in suburbia have room for a small orchard and garden and berry bushes out their back door, and still have plenty of room for a large patio and yard? Who gets to enjoy God’s beautiful creatures – Bluebirds and Cardinals and countless other songbirds, along with hawks and geese and rabbits, all in their backyard?  I am reminded daily of my blessings. Do you count your blessings each day? Sometimes I forget to, or maybe I choose to deny just how blessed I am. 

Every day, I should shout praises to the LORD for the blessings He has given me. Can I get an Amen on that?