As I write this, it is the first day of spring! The birds are sharing their joy with their beautiful
voices. All the trees are blooming, and the grass is turning green again. In all honesty, I am a
winter person—I love everything about winter! But I do enjoy seeing it leave when its time is
up on the calendar. Soon enough, winter will return for me to enjoy.
Have you noticed that your life goes through seasons? Seasons of death; seasons of
growth. One thing we can be sure of is that life changes without our permission—just like
the seasons of weather. Perhaps that is good. I don’t want to ever be in a season of being
stale. If life were to stand still without any changes, what would that really be like? We are
meant to move.
There are advantages to going through even a difficult winter season. When things die, new
growth can happen.
Recently, I realized that to allow myself to bloom in my next season of life, I had to cut off
my heavy branches of selfish desires.
I felt neglected most of my life, so it had become an easy pattern to focus on what was
lacking. However, stepping back and viewing my life from a distance, I could see the truth
that I always had a roof over my head and clothes on my body. Was that enough? For many
people around the world, it would be incredible to have those things. But those were just
things—I longed for more.
My focus was always on what I did not have. I could not see any blessing in my life and did
not believe anything good would happen to me, or if it did, I knew it would not last very long.
I had a deep-seated feeling that everything should be handed to me, that only my needs
mattered—or maybe my needs mattered the most. I was focused on my own desires and
thought everyone else should be, too! I honestly thought others should be consumed with
filling my needs.
The truth is, no amount of attention would have been enough.
I had to go through a winter season, allowing my selfish desires to decay and, ultimately,
die. As I began to take my eyes off my perceived empty hands, my selfishness started to
fade. As I opened my eyes and became aware of the reality of the needs of others around
me, I began to wonder how I could assist them. Only then did I realize the abundance of my
life—how rich I really am.
My focus changed from whining about how empty my hands were to recognizing the
blessings I do hold. Despite the material blessings we may or may not have, you and I hold
a treasure trove to offer others. Have you ever spent an afternoon with a lonely person?
What it does for them is remarkable—and it doesn’t cost you anything. How about offering
a ride to someone who is suddenly without transportation? Your offer would surely be a
stress reliever, perhaps beyond your understanding.
The perception of giving is often throwing money at a problem. But if you feel an inability to
bless others because you lack excess funds, that is an issue with your focus. You have
been blessed to be a blessing—and more often than not, that has nothing to do with
money. Figuring out what you have to offer and then following through with giving will be
life-changing—for those you give to, yes, but even more so for you! Sure, your generous
spirit will affect others, but changing your focus from what you do not have will make you
more appreciative of all you possess.
We all have an area we believe is lacking—it is easy to look at these areas and get tunnel
vision, seeing only our deficiencies. Make a decision today to enter a new season. Allow the
death of winter to bury your selfish desires, making room for the joys of new growth.
You are uniquely gifted. Embrace and flourish in your gift.
Spring has arrived!
