"The turtledove is heard in our land"

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12

I love this verse! There’s such hope and promise in it, plus the turtledove image is lovely.

Since we’ve moved to Lincoln, each spring a mourning dove (technically not the same species as a turtle dove) perches on the top of our chimney, its cooing echoing down to where I sit on the couch in the mornings. Its sound is so melancholy (hence the name “mourning dove”, I'm sure) but soothing as well. Evidently it’s only the male mourning dove that sings the “cooooOOOOO-woo-woo-woo” as a mating call. Perhaps both male and female are responsible for the burbly-sounding coos that I hear some mornings, amplified down the chimney. Instead of mournful, I find it hopeful. (See below for images of the mourning dove family that lives in my yard...baby, and then older baby plus parents. Click on each to view larger)

I mention this today, as it's the first day of spring. Spring’s arrival is often synonymous with hope. I’ve just finished reading Maria Shriver’s book “I’ve Been Thinking…Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life” and in her essay on hope, she shares her view of finding it: she reaches into her back pocket and takes out some hope. I like this visual image, and the fact that it’s accessible to any of us, at any time. I don’t think this diminishes the view that our hope, as Christians, comes from God. God gives us hope, we store it in our “back pocket”, we pull it out when we need it. How’s that for a visual image?

Happy Spring! Here are some favorite verses on hope (for your back pocket!):

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 New International Version (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the four seasons. Thank you for the hopefulness of spring, the rain that turns the earth from brown to green, and the budding plants and warmer temperatures. Help us to rely on You, to turn to you when we feel hopeless. Grant us peace, hope, and love. Amen.

Donna Gustafson