Yesterday I watched a spring snowstorm engulf the building where I work. I drove home in a blizzard to watch my freshly leaved-out trees gather heavy, wet flakes. We covered tomatoes and flowers, while the snow blanketed my strawberry bed (as seen above). Later my son-in-law and I shook snow off branches with a broom and long pole, fighting against breakage.

Spring snows in Colorado aren’t unusual, although this one arrived a bit late in the season. I own a long branch-shaking pole for a reason. But I’d rather not use it. As I look at melting lumps drop this morning a passage reminds me of the days ahead:

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it flourish, and so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Good reminder that the snow pounding my trees gives way to well-watered earth. Later this spring my strawberries will flourish, along with the blackberries and raspberries canes now buried. The snow will be a memory when I enjoy the fruit its moisture produced.

And so goes the word of God in my life. At times it drops cold and unwelcome. The words whirl and slow down. But if I give attention, if I let His wisdom soak in, then a flourishing life buds for my future.