Winter Reminders

I was blessed this week with two very vivid reminders.
The first was an oddly placed leaf on the top of the snow bank next to our garage. There was something unique about this leaf; it was a brilliant green. It seemed out of place during this winter of cold, snow, and greyness. Even stranger was that this leaf stayed on top of this snow bank for several days, despite the wind and fresh snow fall. It served as a reminder to me that spring will come. In a couple short months we will once again have warmth, sun, and lush green grass and leaves. The leaf reminded me of the olive leaf that was brought to Noah as a symbol of hope that the flood was receding and spring had come.
The second was an older lady walking into church with a brilliant red coat. Her coat was contrasted by the sea of snow surrounding her and the grey trees towering in the background. Her red coat was the only color in the bleak landscape. I was reminded of Christ's blood shed for us. Christ's perfection stands out as vividly as this lady's coat and his love contrasts the drab darkness of sin. Another symbol of hope.