Spring—A Fresh Start!

After what is often a cold winter, February eventually gives way to March. Snow begins to melt. The ground thaws. March turns into April, and flowers start to bloom. Trees bud. A crisp freshness fills the air, a smell that makes it easy to walk to the store instead of driving. Birds chirp. You feel a sense of newness of life. Everything comes to life again.

Spring has sprung!

There is seemingly no better time than the energizing season of spring. As the days become longer, any melancholic or lethargic feelings you felt during winter melt away with the snow, ice and slush. It is a time of transition, of looking forward to summer. And although this season of regeneration may be incredibly refreshing after a long winter, do you fully appreciate spring—and use the time to recharge?

A Time of Renewal

As God’s creation roars back to life after dormancy, spring is a great opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty. During this time of year, as the weather warms up, many enjoy taking hikes or walks.

You can do the same. Do not simply sit inside and enjoy the weather from a window. Prepare for an active summer, especially if you will be attending Ambassador Youth Camp this year. Use the warmer weather to go for a jog or a long walk.

Also, take time to reflect on God’s handiwork. Drink in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air as you begin to plan how you will spend the summer months. Enjoy the flowers of all sizes, shapes, colors and fragrant scents. There is much about God’s creation that can be enjoyed and explored during the spring.

But have you considered there is more to this time of year than the beautiful weather?

New Beginnings

In addition to enjoying the outdoors, spring can be a time to prioritize. Spring is naturally when one should think about starting anew.

First, consider these examples of what occurs in this season and how it affects us.

Think about the term “spring cleaning.” Many use this time to vigorously clean their houses, cars, work areas, etc. There is even an aspect of spring cleaning involved in God’s Holy Days. In preparation for the Days of Unleavened Bread, God commands us to remove leaven (which represents sin) from our belongings and living areas—a physical exercise that pictures removing sin from our lives.

High school and college graduations are held in the spring, with commencement not representing the end of college, but the beginning of a career. Notice the definition of commencement: “the time at which something is supposed to begin…the act of starting something.” Graduation ceremonies signify a student starting the next chapter in his or her life.

And often spring can be a time when “love is in the air.” This is a point when many begin to think about courtship and marriage. Some couples choose springtime to say their vows and celebrate the beginning of a new life together.

This season invigorates us to undertake projects, become more organized, renew a flagging exercise routine, or better manage our health. We feel energized after being cooped up all winter. After this “cabin fever,” many spring into action.

It is no coincidence that we feel enlivened during this time of year. Remember, God created seasons; they were designed with a purpose in mind. In fact, God’s sacred calendar actually begins the new year in the spring, not in the middle of winter, like the common Gregorian calendar. There is a reason for this, and there is more to spring than budding flowers or taking on new goals.

Recommitting Oneself

Just as the earth comes alive again after a cold, winter hibernation, God gives Christians a chance to start anew. During the spring Holy Days, Christians recommit themselves to God’s way of life. God masterfully laid out the Spring Holy Day season to give His people a new start at building character and overcoming sin.

Every Passover season, baptized members recommit themselves to living God’s Way after much serious self-examination. Yearly partaking of the Passover wine and bread (symbolic of Jesus Christ’s blood and body) represents Christ’s blood washing away a Christian’s sins. Those called out of this world are forgiven and it is this grace that should motivate them to do better the next year.

But even though you cannot yet partake of the Passover symbols, you can still use this Holy Day season to renew your commitment to God’s Way. Diligently examine yourself and how you measured up in the past year with the standard a Christian should strive for. Remind yourself during this time that the Church is not just for your parents—it is for you as well! Meditate on the truth and why you were born. Realize that if you take an active role in pursuing God’s truth, you will reap countless blessings that could lead to eternal life in God’s kingdom.

Unlike youth in the world, you have been given an awesome privilege as one sanctified—set apart—now and able to freely seek God. The spring season can be a time to dwell on the many blessings you have received.

This year, use the springtime wisely to reflect on God’s purpose for you. Take time to set short-, medium- and long-term goals at work, in the Church, at school, with relationships and other interests. Make a list of all you desire to accomplish in the spring and summer. Maybe start a few new hobbies.

The next time you pass a budding cherry blossom, or see that first red-breasted robin, consider the many wonderful aspects of how God designed spring—and give our Creator thanks!