Worn, weathered and falling apart. My village of (cottage-shaped) birdfeeders faired not so well over the harsh winter. The layers of material that once made them whole are shredding, coming apart at the seams. Winter made them, well…ugly. What was once a quaint and precious haven for hungry little melodic birds now looks like the undesired, dilapidated, wrong side of the tracks. A bird slum. Sadly, no amount of fresh air or sunshine is going to make them look new again. They require nothing short of total restoration.
In a sad state of peering through mud-colored glasses, the more fragile and broken the cottage birdfeeders appear to my eyes, the more I neglect their filling. I fail to pour into brokenness. The flocks of birds that have come to trust I will provide for them are redirected on a new journey, for more.
The empty battered feeders hang on shepherd’s hooks around the perimeter of the winter garden, where mulch and leafless branches of one “burning bush” have stolen the show. The view from my reading chair has never been so cold. Frozen. Lifeless. Though a peripheral glance in my eyeball this morning caused a sudden jerk of my neck to see something fresh and hopeful. Something new. Alive. Green, hopeful new life has awakened from the thawed earth to spring up and greet my weathered soul. Like the promise of the rainbow, tiny green buds peeking through the mulch remind me that my life also has its seasons and the storm will not last forever. The sun will come out again.
Psalm 31:7 “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”
I too am ugly when my seams stretch and pull apart, when storms shatter my heart. Whether I allow life to rush me right past the roses, or the weight of want to hang shadows over my hope, I too can be rendered lifeless in my wintery seasons. While frozen, layers of my togetherness peel, crack, and break. I can flat out fall apart. No matter how many pieces of myself land in the dirt and get lost in the mulch, the Spirit of the One who offered joy and hope to my life will be there. There to collect my pieces, bring me to full restoration and pour into me. He has never left me untended to and un-mended. He has never left me lost on this journey, looking for more. He won’t leave me broken.
The death and promised resurrection of Christ ushered in a new season. One of hope and new life. One of redemption, restoration, and transformation, filled with peace and in joy. His blood poured out that day and filled our souls with longing for His mission, a journey with His spirit, to an un-broken home on the right side of the Heavenly tracks. He is spring. He is a spring of living water within us. Like buds sprouting forth from the dirt, He redeems the dead.
John 4:14 “but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
By Melissa Irwin, Jasper Walls Blog & Founder of Beautiful Feet Global Outreach
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Weathered | Melissa writes… says
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Heidi says
Love this targets the way spring blooms, and promise of a new day:)
Peggy LaFon says
I always enjoy Melissa’s blog and enjoy her writing immensely – terrific insight.
Elaine Phelps says
Melissa, thank you for the welcome reminder of the hope and promise available to us through the blood of Christ. LOVE IT.
Cindy says
Such a timely devotion for me today…the hope of a new season, thank you so much for reminding me there is this hope!!
Penny says
Thank you. Sometimes it is of great comfort to know that I am not the only one enduring a difficult season. It seems like I might be just starting to see new growth, green again in a life lacking any color of joy. I have planted much with my tears, and now I’m hopeful to harvest those sheaves of joy. Thank you, again, your words were of great encouragement to my heart.
Melissa Irwin says
you are not alone…..and in Him life abounds. so glad you enjoyed this post today. God bless.
Amy says
I love how you *see* Him this way! So glad to read your words today. Rich blessings…
Melissa Irwin says
Amy – I am so thankful for the ways He reveals Himself to me. In such very special and tender ways. Thank you.
Michelle Jeffcoat says
Oh how this speaks to my heart today! It is so easy to fall into dis-repair and just sit in it. Reading this brought me to tears this morning, and it is entirely evident that the Holy Spirit led me here for this reminder. Beautifully done – I am so thankful for the gift that my friend Melissa has been given to speak truth and beauty. Thank you Jesus.
julie harrell says
You don’t know how much I needed to read this today! I’m sending this off to someone who needs some love from the Father…thank you
Gina Jakobik says
Thank you for your beautiful words this morning! I too see the signs of Spring all around and it reminds me of my new life in Christ. I feel you are a perfect example of one who is now living out God’s will for your life! May the children of Zimbabwe see your heart and know that it is Christ-like. May they marinate in your love for them and grow to know Him.
Gloria says
A great post to remind us that no matter how rough the “winter season” spiritually may have been God is our Redeemer and He gives new Life! I am thankful that he Never leaves us no matter how rough and tough we may appear.
Thanks for sharing.
Danelle Townsend says
I am reading a book called SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS by Mark Buchanan right now. You would love this book. It addresses the very idea of our walk with Jesus taking us through every season and Jesus being “The Man For All Seasons” . This post was beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Melissa Irwin says
Hi Danelle – thank you so much for sharing the book….does certainly seem like one I would love to read. I will. I’m so thankful that this post was touching to you….always blessed and humbled to share His hope.
The Ahlstroms says
Beautifully wiritten!
Rebecca says
Melissa- Your beautiful words are a reflection of your beautiful heart. As always, I love reading your thoughts.
“He won’t leave me broken”….thats something I will reflect on today.
Melissa Irwin says
Thank you Becca!
Lisa says
Melissa ~
This was so beautifully written! Love you and your gift for words.
Celeste says
Beautiful, Melissa. So poetic and so timely. A wonderful reminder of what new life in Christ is about.
Brianne says
Thanks for this! Been feeling weathered, so this speaks to my heart.
Marcia Ramirez says
Melissa… Your writing always speaks to me in such beautiful ways! Love this! Love you!
Thomas Sabo Australia says
There is clearly a great deal to understand about this. I think you created some beneficial
factors in Features also.
Thomas Sabo Australia says
yeah I agree & I couldn’t have said it better. keep it up
R. Hall says
Overwhelmingly touching. As usual 🙂
Cassie Jones says
Just Beautiful! A great reminder that even when we feel weathered and broken, the sun will shine again and the storm will pass. A very timely message for me, my friend. Love you bunches and so proud of all you are!!!
Susanna says
I needed to read this today. Thank you.