Walking into Spring

Officially Spring arrived more than three weeks ago, but In Belgium it kind of peeks around the corner before really arriving. In February the crocus flowers in the back of our yard poke their purple heads above the pile of leaves, telling us that Spring is truly coming. Sometimes we get a sprinkling of snow over them, but mostly they are followed by the little white flowers and then a batch of yellow flowers - all colorfully shading the bit of the yard under the walnut tree. 

Shirley and I have been trying to walk more regularly. Since we no longer have a dog, it takes more gumption to get up and go. But it has been working pretty well. And as we walk out of the house, up to the lock and around to the castle, we have been able to notice all the changes as Spring has arrived. We have a pair of swans above the lock and a pair below the lock. Both are more than willing to come say hello when we walk by. 

On the back side of our walk, we pass what used to be the pear orchard. All of the trees have been removed and replaced with a field, except for the line of trees that formed the fence. These have now flowered and are readying themselves to give the pears they have always given throughout the years. Across the way another field - sometimes corn, sometimes other crops - has turned bright yellow with rapeseed. The trees along the canal have turned from a light sheen of green to full-on leafy green as the Spring continues. 

We look forward to the warmer days (we are still wearing light coats on most days) and even more color as the year progresses. Even more exciting, we are looking forward to how God is bringing growth into the lives around us. This weekend many people will be celebrating Easter, some without even vaguely knowing what it is actually celebrating or means. But we are so very thankful for resurrection, for new life, for the defeat of sin and death and the victory of life in Jesus Christ. 

(You can share some of these spots on our walks at the album linked to the picture above - or click here.)