A New Thing

Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Have you ever noticed – when there is snow on the ground in the spring – that there is often a circle of open area around plants where there is no snow? I had my suspicions when I observed this recently, but I admit I had to do a bit of research to make sure.

From what I’ve seen, and the best I could find out, the sun is the reason for the absence of snow around the new blades of grass in the above photo. The rays of the sun are both absorbed and reflected by the plants, raising their temperature and melting the nearby snow. The grass itself does not generate its own warmth. (Although during my research, I did find out that skunk cabbage, and a few other plants, can indeed generate their own heat – a process called thermogenesis).

As the snow melts away from the grass, the moisture goes to the root of the plant, bringing with it both nutrients and life. That way this new growth springing up from the snow can have a head-start on the upcoming warm weather and growing season.

The above Scripture refers to God telling His people that He was about to do a new thing in their lives. In fact, the verse before this one instructed the people not to remember the former things, the things of old. God was about to do something fresh and different and new for them.

For some folks I know, it has been a long winter. Perhaps it has been that way for you as well. I, for one, am most ready to welcome the upcoming spring. Thank You Lord, for both the life and hope that it brings in You.

Hope you have a great day.