United Baptist Church of Ellsworth

Spring in Maine is a season of renewal and optimism. From the bleak cold, dark, colorless winter, the earth miraculously redresses itself in green and promises rich colors in brilliant hues. Spring’s renewal is derived from the roots and seeds of a prior season and is filled with expectations of familiar fragrances, colors, blossoms, fruit, and warmer and brighter days!

Although generally shy, male cardinals are unable to hide their brilliant color which marks their identity. However, who we are as humans is more about our core character than physical appearance or titles. Traits of honesty, reliability, caring, and compassion vouch for one’s genuineness, and sincerity is necessary for intimate relationships. Warren Buffet is quoted as saying that although confidence and initiative are important for success, the most important characteristic is integrity.

These beautiful poppies delight us. Fortunately, the wonderful ability to replicate their beauty is tightly wrapped inside them. However, if those tiny seeds are inappropriately used, there is potential for harm, addiction, destruction, and death lurking within them. With that in mind, the poppy seed becomes an example of what is so disordered with creation and its creatures.

That pronouncement draws our attention! Predictions intrigue and sometimes unsettle us whether they are speculations about the stock market, actuarial tables, prognostications associated with diseases, habits and medical treatments, or discussions about political outcomes, Some of us even resort to tarot cards and fortune tellers to garner what might be coming down the pike.

The way these trees and chairs have successfully held up under a heavy snowfall remind us that courage and strength withstanding the whims, burdens, and trials that life tosses at us are “beautiful”.