Today is the first day of spring, and if you’re like me, you’re joyfully anticipating the new life that it brings. Especially after the extended impact of COVID-19 and the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced over the past year, we’re ready for a page to turn. However, to put things into perspective, it’s important to remember that springtime is only possible because of the falling leaves of autumn and the barren cold of winter. We serve a God of seasons, and no matter how difficult each one is, they all have distinct beauty and a divinely-appointed purpose. Today, we see evidence of vibrancy and hope, but the fruits of this time have only come forth because of the chill and silence that preceded them. And though it’s tempting to forget and run away from the difficulties we’ve lived through in the last twelve months, I think we do best to learn from them. While we should indeed move forward and embrace what lies ahead with Godly gusto, let’s not let go of the eternal lessons we’ve learned. The beauty of more time spent with our families, the blessing of life (and the knowledge that it’s short), the gift of health, and the joy of moving at a slower pace — these are all precious treasures we’ve unearthed since the dawn of the pandemic. And though we’re excitedly embracing progress and resuming a sense of normal, we’re carrying with us into the future a prize — one that could only have been forged in the depths of a worldwide winter.

My friend, take a few minutes at the start of this springtime to reflect on the goodness of God. Welcome the days to come with full faith in His mighty power, and know that He will use everything that’s been cultivated beneath the surface of your life in the past year to propel you to His perfect plan for your future. Praise Him for the difficulties that sculpt you into a stronger, more loving, and more resilient person, and embrace each day with a posture of wonder and gratitude. If you’re alive, that’s reason enough to rejoice, so go forth, enjoy the little things, and feel your Savior’s love envelope you in the gift of every moment.