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Spring: A New Chapter In Our Lives

by Annette Sutherby

When you first think of spring, what is usually the first thing that comes to your mind? Warmer weather? End of another school year? Prom? Graduation? Summer almost being here? Family vacations? Spring Break? Easter and Jesus' resurrection?

For me, spring has always been the time of the year that I look forward to the most -- especially spring break. School is almost out for the summer, the weather is finally starting to get warm, bon fires on the weekends -- and it doesn't hurt that spring means my birthday is soon!

I also see spring as a time to reflect on what has happened over the past year, and to reflect on what I am going to do differently.

Out With The Old

Yes, I know it's not New Years. But I see spring as ending one era of my life and beginning a new one. And it's especially true for me this year. In a little over a month, I will be graduating from High School.

Four long years have come to an end. Granted, they flew by -- but it's still hard to believe I am graduating. I am closing one chapter in my life and opening up a new one. And it's a chapter that will be very different from all the rest. In a way, I will soon be starting a whole new life -- a life in the 'real world'.

How appropriate that it's in spring!

In With The New

For so long it seemed like I was on the outside looking in when it came to high school activities. It seemed like they would last forever. Going to my friends' open houses, their graduation and even prom. When would my turn come?

But now that my time is here, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago when I was a freshman. The time that seemed to drag on forever now feels like it has flown by. Instead of watching everyone else prepare to move on, I am the one running all over the place, trying to make sure everything is all set for graduation and prom. As soon as I get one thing done, it seems as though there is something else that needs to be done!

Yet ironically, this has been the time of my life getting ready for everything. I truly am looking forward to moving on and starting a new chapter in my life: college.

A Time Of New Life

Spring is also a time where new relationships can form, old ones can become stronger, and some even move to the next step -- marriage. Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of weddings in the spring? It is definitely a season to start fresh and begin that new chapter in life.

But the most important part about spring is Easter. The holiest time in the Church year, it is an excellent time for reflecting on our lives. And it serves as a reminder of what Jesus did for us -- dying so we could be redeemed from sin. He died so that we could start over, our sins having been forgiven. He rose from the dead to give us hope and to show us that there can be new life through him.

An End -- A Beginning

Especially this spring, I find myself starting over. I seem to have a better perspective on life, on where I am headed, and on whom I want to become. I take a look around at everything and realize how blessed I truly am.

And I thank God every day for dying on that cross. For by doing so, He has given us opportunities that we otherwise would never have had; opportunities for growth and change -- and the ability to move on and start a new chapter in our lives.

Life Applications:

What comes to mind when you think about spring?
What life changes do you have on the horizon?
What does the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus mean to you?

Copyright 2003 by Annette Sutherby
All rights reserved.

Copyright 2003 by Annette Sutherby
All rights reserved.