Bulbs, an Expression of Hope Facing the Winter

This last week Tom and I planted over 200 daffodil bulbs.  We planted some at our house, most at John and Jackie’s, and some at Mom and Dad’s.  Tom dug the holes then I came behind him and planted and fertilized the bulbs.

I love daffodils and planting the bulbs was an expression of hope as I face the winter to come.  All of us are looking forward to seeing the daffodils come up in the spring.  Daffodils are so jaunty and bright compared to the dull grays and whites of winter.  When they come up in the spring, it is a reminder that no winter, no matter how bad, lasts forever.  We plant the bulbs but we anticipate the flowers to come.

Of course, the whole time I was planting the bulbs, I was singing “Hymn of Promise” written by Natalie Sleeth.  In case you aren’t familiar with the lyrics, here they are.

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

Daffodil bulbs contain the promise of life when we plant them in the cold, gray autumn.  In the same way, our lives, even at the worst times, contain the promise of love and life in Christ.  When we think of Christ’s resurrection, we are reminded that he offers us new life every day.  We don’t have to remain in drab prisons of doubt or a never-ending cycle of uncertainty and despair.  Where others see death, we are reminded of the promise of everlasting life.

The daffodil bulbs I planted this week contain the promise of life to come in the spring.  Their promise gives me hope as I face a long, cold winter.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13