*Pastor’s Note: Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981) was an influential American writer of inspirational and Christian poetry. She wrote and sold millions of books of her verses. Her poetry is quoted almost everywhere. My prayer is that you will be blessed and inspired by her poetry as much as I am.

AFTER THE WINTER GOD SENDS THE SPRING

Springtime is a season
of hope and joy and cheer—
There’s beauty all around us
to see and touch and hear . . .
So no matter how downhearted
and discouraged we may be,
New hope is born when we behold
leaves budding on a tree
Or when we see a timid flower
push through the frozen sod
And open wide in glad surprise
its petaled eyes to God . . .
For this is just God saying,
“Lift up your eyes to Me,
And the bleakness of your spirit,
like the budding springtime tree,
Will lose its wintry darkness
and your heavy heart will sing.”
For God never sends the winter
without the joy of spring.

From The Poems and Prayers of Helen Steiner Rice: Poetry by Helen Steiner Rice. Used by permission. All rights reserved.