For many of you winter is still a very real fact. Here in Fresno the fruit and nut tress are starting to blossom. Desert mother Amma Theodora wrote, “Let us strive to enter by the narrow gate. Just as the trees if they have not stood before the winter’s storms cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and it is only through many trials and temptations that we can obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.”

Our world is full of pain and loss. Children abandoned, wars, terrorists, murder, hate, prejudice the sins just pile one on the other. But…look to the trees. Winter storms, rain, sleet, freezing temperatures and fog all attempt to bring them and us down. But then comes spring and the blossoms appear as if to say, “Here we remain a testament of the Father’s love for His creation.”

Okay here is the deal. I expect you to do something today. I expect you to “blossom” in someone’s life. Send a card, an email, drop by to visit a sick brother or sister in Christ. Let them know that one day we will rise with Him like spring after winter.

“May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonder he has shown you; may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.”

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