Before I incur your disgust at supposed West Coast bragging, let me say that not all the green in our yard is good. Yes, the lawn is green, flowers are blooming and the azalea and magnolia trees are in full bud BUT the cement sidewalk is covered in globs of black-bottomed, lime coloured moss and the patio furniture will need to be stripped of green gunk and disinfected prior to our first outdoor feast. We have had no snow but rain aplenty! I'd almost forgotten what sunshine meant until we were treated to blue skies twice this week. There, that's off my chest and I'll proceed.

Walking around the garden these past few days I can't help but notice snow-drops and primroses flashing the best of their spring colours. Purple heather, draped over the stone wall, livens up the front yard. Other flowers, however, lie prostrate under rotting foliage, seemingly destined to suffer the same fate. If I judged by their outward appearance I'd consign them to the compost pile. I know better, though, because as soon as the sun appears and the soil begins to absorb the heat those flowers will join the early bloomers in proclaiming that spring really has arrived. The whole picture made me think of how we sometimes view others and ourselves. Let me encourage you, spring really is coming!

Over the past few months I've gained a new understanding of how deeply we are loved and valued by Jesus Christ. Where once I saw only my weaknesses and mistakes, that gloomy outlook has been replaced by the knowledge that God sees us as people of resplendent loveliness. It's relationship, not performance He longs for.

"He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:19

Think you're dirt? God sees beauty!