Springtime in Milan
In pagan world view, springtime is associated with renewal. It is, of course, easy enough to understand why. Christians, too, have every good reason to rejoice in the beauty of springtime. Seasons change because God ordains it (Genesis 8:22). The lovely mystery of renewal is seen, for example, in every blossoming cherry tree. But, for Christians, the idea of renewal is locked into the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:29-37). For Paul, this meant living with power and optimism (Romans 1:4; 4:17-25).
One day, as spring began to emerge in Milan, Marla heard a dove making a unusual sound, just outside our window. Thinking the bird to be hurt, she ran over to the neighbors for assistance.  They said, “Don’t worry Marla, he’s just calling for a female.†This little incident reminds us of Song of Solomon 2:10,14: “Arise my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come. And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land…O my doveâ€.
Cherries are pleasant; but the resurrection is powerful. The creation is splendid, but the resurrection is redemptive. Someone has said, there are three classes of people: those who see; those who see when
they are shown; and, those who do not see.†Isn’t springtime but a chance to see?