05.04.09
homeWork: Spring Fever
Spring fever: A feeling of restlessness, excitement, or laziness brought on by spring.
We have been here 9 years last month and have certainly gotten acclimated to the climate, the dreary days, and have become what we mocked when we first arrived. When we first got here, we snickered in disbelief for the pacific northwestern behavior when the sun peaks out. The tank tops and flip flops appear at the hint of 65 degrees and sunny. Now, I am one of my fellow city dwellers with no shame. WE love the weather and really don’t mind the dreary days or drizzly rain.
As Spring has arrived in its fickle, teasing, rebellion against consistency, the warmth appearing then leaving. I am antsy. It isn’t about the weather as much. This isn’t a weather talk. The weather more REPRESENTS the wave of inconsistency in my heart. The weather is like a mirror to see how I respond to circumstances.
As the darker days become more lit with the promise of the sun and flowers start their beautiful blooms and people eagerly garden and lay on the grass, my heart is anticipating. My heart races at the plans of all that I want to do in these next short 5 months!
Spring Fever is a cue for me to see how fickle my heart is. I am as inconsistent in my worship as Seattle is with sunny days. I am so quick to put my hope in all MY plans, not God’s. The calendar and lists thrive in the spring. The productivity meter goes way up. My heart is eager to grow things, teach things, filter, organize, and make changes.
Spring Fever pokes at my restless desires, thinking that by accomplishing anything, peace is the reward.
God is my reward. Spring time fun, projects, and thoughts can be purposeful in my heart to connect to Jesus. He is to be worshipped when I dig in the dirt, worshipped in the mundane raking of constant pine needles in our lawn. He is to be praised in the planting of vegetables and acknowledged for His miraculous creation. Whatever my hand finds to do, whatever my heart craves this spring, I am admiring God.
Spring Fever is ok, I think if it draws my desires in to Jesus’ desires. Passion Redeemed. Restlessness stilled. And Work becomes Worship.