Spring has sprung!

Spring has arrived in Johannesburg once more and the flowering buds are about ready to open.

 

If one said, time 'moves' or 'flies' that would be literally correct. Despite our perception that the particular spot we inhabit is fairly permanent and unmoving the reality is far from true. The land on which our farms, towns and cities reside slowly moves up, down or sideways from year to year depending on what the geologic crust is doing. It is not obvious to us but over millenia this movement creates vast inland seas or towering mountains.

In addition the earth on which we stand/sit/sleep is spinning at approx 1000km/hr on its axis (at the equator, much slower for those nearer the poles) and at a speed of 67,000 km/hr on its circuit around the sun. In addition to that our entire solar system is moving along at fairly substantive speeds as the galaxy drifts through intergalactic space. So yes.... time does 'move' or 'fly' and the annual cycles of spring, summer, fall and winter come and go and we are on the move!

One of the ways we know that spring has arrived in our church community is the posting of the annual 'spring walk'. We have been invited to wear festive hats and walk 2, 5, or 10km on a Saturday morning starting between 7-9am. This exertion will be followed by consuming farmers sausage and other goodies (just so we won't loose too much energy so early in the morning). The funds raised will go towards the Edenvale Care Centre Hospice - a place of hope where otherwise there would be none. It responds to people suffering from HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Tuberculosis, and other long term illnesses. The centre is supported by churches throughout Edenvale.

Another way we know that spring is here is that this time of year heralds the beginning of MCC's annual planning cycle. Country programs begin to think about what new projects need to be undertaken to respond to the realities they face. Partners are engaged and concept papers written to begin this process. Once approved these 'concepts' will be moved towards a full planning document outlining the specific outcomes desired and how to achieve them. The following months will be full, intense and rewarding as creative ways to resond to people's needs take shape.

Ah yes - then there is fishing season. Soon fly fishing poles and reels will be in full action as trout rise to feed on newly hatched bugs of every sort and shape. Early morning excursions to the rivers and lakes while the dew is still on the grass and the sun just up will dazzle the heart and mind and give peace to the soul. As Norman Maclean said in his book, A River Runs Through It, "In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing."

So spring is here and we give thanks for another time of newness, renewal, and hope.