Spring is God’s Best Argument
By Chaplain B. Allen Vaughan

Spring is here! However, as I write this article, it is still cold, wet, cloudy and rainy. But, the signs are all around us.

When I was growing up in Missouri, the first signs of spring were the sun- kissed yellow and white daffodils that would begin to push their way up amidst the grass that was still brown from winter. The tulip bulbs wouldn’t be far behind in making their colorful appearance. Also, in the Ozark Mountains, while most of the trees were still bare, the hills and valleys would be dotted with the bright white and pink blossoms of the Dogwood and Red bud trees.

Here in Japan, the appearance of the beautiful and delicate cherry blossoms is the most famous sign of spring. The days are becoming much more pleasant. Instead of running to get inside, away from the cold and rain, folks are beginning to stay outside a little longer.

We slow down; take a little more time getting to where we are going, because we just want to enjoy the weather before we have to go back to work. The winter “blahs” are being replaced by “spring fever” and there seems to be a renewed vigor and purpose in every living creature.

It is no wonder, then, that many religions and faith communities celebrate special occasions in the spring that emphasize the renewal of life in the midst of death. Some of the most familiar celebrations are the Christian observance of Easter and the Jewish observance of Passover. It is as if God is saying in the springtime, “See, this is what I have in store for you if you allow your hearts to wake up and warm up to my presence.”

Revah Summers gill, in her poem “Thought in Spring” wrote “How can he doubt the grace of God when beauty springs from stick or clod? How can he doubt God’s grace who sees, the light-laced pattern through the trees, the sun and rain, the fecund earth, the ancient miracle of birth, who knows the wind and clouds, the sight of lifting seas and stars at night? How wise was he, how wise, who sent the spring to be his argument!”

The cherry blossoms, the dogwoods, the daffodils and tulips, are God’s messengers in the spring. I invite you to join us at the Chapel of Hope for our Easter and Passover celebrations and, hopefully, you will experience a spiritual “springtime” in your soul.

May God bring his grace to full bloom in your heart.