Sunshine, Flip Flops, and Other Signs of Spring

There are few ways that I let on about my Southern California upbringing, but my love of flip flops if one. In my humble opinion naked feet are happy feet and the next best thing to no shoes at all are flip flops. So this morning on this sunny spring day the choice was clear...I shall wear flip flops.

Part of the reason that my choice of footwear is so noteworthy is because this is the first day of the year that I have felt confident that flip flops would be suitable all day long. The sun is shining, the chance of rain seems non-existent, and it is warm enough that my little toes won't freeze. This shift in the weather (although who knows how long it will last) is very welcome indeed.

There are other signs that spring is here, paving the way for summer warmth and sun. Everywhere you look there are patches of color as daffodils and tulips open their glorious petals. The magnolia trees are full of the vibrant and rotund blossoms. The new leaves are pushing their way to the end of every tree branch. I love this time of year in Seattle. I have never seen a more beautiful display.

The Difficulty in Dreaming

I have always been one who considers herself a dreamer. I love to sit and ponder the possibilities that life holds and wonder what adventures wait for me in the future. But recently I have found myself slipping into a fog of disillusionment. For as much hope can be found in dreaming, often times there is equally as much disappointment. See, dreaming requires much forward thinking, an ability to see beyond the here and now. And this kind of vision is not always so easy to come by.

Yesterday I was reminded that we are called to be dreamers in spite of the fact that dreams may not always come true. God plants a dream in our hearts not always to bless us with its fulfillment but to use us as a tool for laying the foundation for its fulfillment.

I will admit that I have mixed feelings about this revelation. I feel discouraged at the thought that the things I so deeply long for may not be realized in my life. But then my heart is lifted in the promise that there is a purpose in the dreaming and it will be made good, even if some where beyond my lifetime.