We have been experiencing an amazing spring. The snow has melted. The ground is thirsting for moisture, but we know that God will provide that in time. Yesterday, after church, we decided to take a drive. We do a lot of that lately. It seems to give us a new perspective for the coming week. Our spirits were lifted earlier as we heard God’s Word preached. We studied a portion of Ephesians in Bible study. I was ready for a nap by the time we got home, because a busy couple of days prior to Sunday.

We’re beginning the process of downsizing – AGAIN. Instead of a nap, my husband suggested a drive in the country, since it was such beautiful day. So, I surrendered and I’m glad I did. The drive was much more refreshing than a nap. We headed for our favorite wildlife refuge and were treated to some migrating Sandhill cranes – a whole flock of them had landed and were feeding in one of the marshy areas of the park. These magnificent, almost prehistoric looking birds are in their full color right now. A rusty suit of plumage, along with a top hat of red – made quite an impression on those female cranes. As they paraded past each of them, I’m sure there were ooohs and aaahs from each one. They sounded more like squawks though. There may have been little scorecards too, determining the best of the group. A group of cranes is called a “dance.” I imagine it was like Dancing With the Stars as they strutted their stuff. In addition to the cranes, we saw a few turkeys, a couple eagles, several pairs of swans, a pheasant, a deer and a partridge in a pear tree. Just kidding about that last one.

There is nothing like getting back into God’s creation to renew, refresh and regenerate. Thankfully our winter was short this year. Only a couple of severe weather alerts were issued. I have often alluded to the fact that Minnesota will undoubtedly become the new garden state with all this “climate change,” “global warming,” or whatever you may call it. Here we go again. The start of a new week – another chance – yesterday’s tomorrow. I pray that you all have a blessed week.

Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”