“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4

My favorite spring flowers are daffodils and narcissus. They are the first to sprout through the light snow and then show a burst of color in just a short amount of warm weather.

But think back to the fall days when the bulbs were planted. They looked so dead, and we put them underground for the winter. God was working on them, and the plants were coming to a new life even when we couldn’t see them.

When someone makes the decision to be part of God’s family, the old life is gone and a new life has begun. For some, God works in their lives for a very long time. Some end up in the pits, and only Jesus can lift them out and start them on a new path.

Many times, it takes fellow believers to care for and tend to these tender lives, encouraging them to stay on the path Jesus has set them on and reminding them that the old life is gone and a new life has begun.

As a new Christian grows, others can see them start to bloom.

For several years, we have wondered how we can make it to even think of retirement with the low milk prices. God was working on the plan even when we didn’t realize it. Now, as the date to sell the cows comes closer, we can see his hand in it all.

Yes, we will still be farming, but hopefully with time to follow God’s call.

“As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” 2 Corinthians 3:18b.

So, we thank God for spring. The old is gone, and a new life is beginning.

Laurie Bedford,
Jefferson, N.Y.

Bedford is a member of the Mountain Valley Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International in Jefferson, N.Y.