Crocus in the Snow

It’s been a strange spring. A few weeks ago warmth finally arrived to northern Ohio and cabin weary citizens flowed out of their hibernation homes into their yards. Rakes, wheelbarrows and mulch were ubiquitous. As flower beds were prepared, twigs gathered and yards fertilized, neighbors called out to one another.

“So glad there is no more snow!”
“It’s great to be outside!”
“What a wonderful day!”

Like so many around me I felt the revitalization of the emerging season. Winter was past. Then it occurred. Shocking the community, just as we seemed to have turned the corner from winter to spring, it snowed. Not just flurries, walks were covered and lawns turned white. Rakes were traded for snow shovels once again.

It seemed like everyone around me was in a funk. Complaints and expressions of disgust with the weather were commonplace. But while I didn’t enjoy digging out a warm jacket again, I was far from discouraged. All around me were signs of winter’s passing and spring’s advent. Poking defiantly through a blanket of snow were the purple and yellow heads of spring crocuses. Spring was arriving. I was encouraged.

Leaders recognize this phenomenon and find similar encouragement.

Sometimes we labor, strategize, implement plans and visions to help our groups, lead our businesses, and guide our ministries out of winter into a coming spring. Then just when it seems like the cold hard days of winter are giving way to spring, it happens--a late season snowstorm.

 A set back in our plans
 A program fails
 A down turn in growth
 An old problem resurges

Frustrating? Yes. But even in the face of set backs, leaders learn to focus on the signs of spring. Sometimes it doesn’t take much, just a few little things poking up through storm.

Are you in the midst of a late season storm? Look for signs of the coming spring.