The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:12
"SWEET is the season of spring:
the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth,
and its promise of summer enhances its present delights.
After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness;
If we do not hoist the sail
when the breeze is favorable,
we shall be blameworthy:
Let our wintry state suffice us for coldness and indifference;
when the Lord creates a spring within,
let our branch blossom with high resolve.
O Lord, if it be not spring time in my chilly heart,
I pray Thee make it so,
for I am heartily weary of living at a distance from Thee.
Oh! the long and dreary winter,
when wilt Thou bring it to an end?
Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul!"
Charles Spurgeon