Here in Colorado, Spring is a long time in coming. Sure, we have the variety of snow flurries and sun-drenched days within one week, but all still seems dormant save for the birds starting to chirp and stubby green spears starting to pierce the earthy blanket. And everyehere I look, it is very beige. I love color and need many more colors than just beige. I thrive on color. This is a very difficult season for me visually as a creative person.
 
God has been letting some desires of mine be somewhat dormant for a while now, but they are poking through the soil of hope into the atmosphere of reality.  I am cautiously optimistic yet my spirit can't help but get stirred up at the thought that things are starting to germinate.
 
When my friends think of me, I doubt "patient" comes to mind first. I love to jump in and get things started, then push to see them grow and bloom hot-house style. However, forcing results ahead of their time yields less than flavorful fruit.
 
Now I see the seedlings of the new ministry start to grow up and turn toward the Son in praise. There is a divine energy at work here, separate from anything I bring to the process. The prayers and willingness i laid out have been anointed by the Spirit, and are birthing opportunity.
 
As I walk in this garden that slumbers, I hear You call to me. "Child, slow down. Let me prune away the worthless and leave the eternal. Let Me grow this in My time and you just enjoy the growth process we are embarking on together. Remember, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.'" (^{John 15:16 (NIV)} Remember that I am the Vine, you are the branch. As I grow the offering of this ministry, I also grow you. You will both be rooted and built up in Me."
 
Yes, Lord. Help me savor the working of the soil, the careful bathing of these seeds with care and petition. Help me thoroughly relish every moment of the growth that only Your Spirit can coax. Then, by the mystery of Your perfect timing and nurturing, let this offering flourish under Your hand and may I be blessed enough to witness the wonder of it, breathless. After all, You are the Master Gardener. You make all things beautiful in Your time.
Two storm fronts are about to hit each other here. The trick will be to remember that He is at work under the snow. His hand is at work in the beige winters of our lives.