Easter Snow

I’d like to see where robins go
when all is green until a snow
falls unexpectedly at night
and wakes them harshly to a white
and chilly cov'ring on the ground.
Where is their sanctuary found?
I'd like to think they somehow know
to seek a sturdy bough that's low
and tucked under an unseen arm,
wrapped softly round to hold off harm
and keep them until Easter’s sun
appears, and spring's again begun.
© Copyright 2007, Patterns of Ink

It's spring! In fact, this week is Spring Break here in West Michigan. Last week was beautiful with temps well into the 70's. Tuesday, I was doing light yard work out back. It was not quite 70 but felt very much like spring. Daffodils were standing tall, and Robins were everywhere. If that doesn't put a "tweedilly-tweedilly-deet..." in your heart, what will?

Then it happened. We'd been warned but hoped the weatherman was wrong. We got SNOW! Yesterday it was barely measurable. We went to bed wishing it were a dream, but this morning we woke to four inches more... just in time for Easter. Word is we'll be setting records in the Midwest, South, and East. Some of you may have gotten the chill without the snow.

When a heavy snow comes out of season like this, it throws the birds for a loop. As I was shoveling our driveway, I heard a flock of seagulls circling overhead. That's usually a sound we hear with beach towels slung over our shoulders and flip flops slapping underfoot.
It was then I noticed there was not a robin in sight. (Since many of you are not Michiganders, I should mention that the robin is our state bird.)

Where do they go? It's too soon for finished nests. Where do they wait it out? It reminded me of when Jesus assured his disciples that God looks after the sparrow, and they are even more the focus of his care. A few chapters later, wrapping up His warnings to the scribes and Pharisees, He says,"...How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings..."

This April snow will pass. New life and shelter will come with the rising of the SON. May you find sanctuary there this Easter!
.

"His appearance was ... white as snow.

And...the angel said to the women,

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus

who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen..."

Matthew 28:3-6

"He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler."

Psalm 91:4