I am typing this post during what I refer to as gray season in Southeastern Ohio. Gray season is marked by a stretch of several cold, dank weeks that fall at the cusp of spring. Gray dominates this time of year. The soggy ground, my mood and the puffs of cloud that hide the shy sun, share the same dismal shade.
Gray is vast.
Gray is sticky.
Gray is heavy.
Gray permeates through flesh, muscle and bone to coat and weight the soul.
My body aches for warmth.
My eyes and my heart crave…no, they thirst… for color. To smell it. Taste it. Drink it.
To be replenished by the vibrant hues of amber, lavender, emerald and cobalt.
I squint…searching the gray-draped scenery, and the the corners of my mouth rise when I finally spot splashes of color.
I see apricot tail feathers on a bird and hear gold in her tweeted melody.
Green stems capped with mauve buds sprout through the rich, tawny earth.
The dainty scents of turquoise, yellow and pink wisp around me as I am reminded that hope is alive.
Hope is awake.
Hope will conquer the gray.
As weary-making as the gray season can be, I am thankful for its purpose as an agent of transition. My heart rejoices as I embrace gray as an allegory of Christ’s betrayal, death and triumph.
Gray is dark and heavy, but Hope lifts the grime and washes it white.
By Angela Nazworth, Becoming Me
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kendal says
hope will not disappoint. joy here in NC even on a grey day! love this post.
Amy says
I thought about this a lot during the winter months…and how God strips away color to reach me and bring me closer to Him…searching for color, even in the grey.
Jan Udlock says
Hi Angela,
Portland, Oregon…I hate the gray weather here but it has made me cling to Him. And then spring and color becomes so intoxicating.
So full of hope. So Jesus.
Thankful for your post.
j
Holley Gerth says
It’s the perfect day to talk about HOPE. Praying you have a wonderful Easter, friend!
Sherri Ohler says
Great post. I never know quite how to ‘feel’ on Good Friday. Should I mourn (Black?). Should I celebrate (Bright?). You’ve given me a great place to rest in His ultimate purposes today and every day. (Gray.) Thank you.
sherri
http://www.sdgartistry.com
http://www.thepaitnedlife.com
Beth Williams says
Sometimes in the deep dark of gray days & life all you have to cling to is Jesus! This is an exciting time of year when we can celebrate the HOPE & Joy of Easter & our risen Lord!
Heather says
I live in northeast Ohio and we are also afflicted with this season of gray, but it begins before winter and has lingered much too long this year. Bring on the light of the sun and the warmth she brings with her!
Angela Nazworth says
It is amazing how much beauty can come from gray…When I think of that I always think of that massive stone rolling away to reveal that empty tomb!
Rea says
Amen. I’ll leave it at that. 🙂
Caryn says
HOPE – my favorite word.
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
Yes! Despite the dismal days, the difficult circumstances, the despair – if we can cling to Hope, we’ll be okay, won’t we?
Hope in Christ –
Teri