Spring offers life and hope Published April 17, 2013 By Senior Airman Sarah Dyroff 452 AMW Chaplain services MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The blooms of Spring have finally made their grand appearance, so why not take a moment to go outside, enjoy the vibrant sights and breathe the sweet fragrances in the air. Each season has its own special meaning and spring reminds me of two: life and hope. A few weeks earlier, two major religious holidays were celebrated, Passover and Easter. Those who celebrated Passover paused to remember years long ago, when God brought people out of slavery into freedom, with promise of a brighter future. During Easter, believers reflected on the acts of one person who endured much pain and death, yet through it all, brought renewed life and meaning for generations to come. Growing up in the Northeast near Lake Ontario, I endured long, cold winters for many years. Out of all the seasons given, winter was the harshest. The temperatures stayed well below freezing, for what seemed like months at a time. The days were dark and dreary, leaving us to wonder if spring would ever come. Then, we began to notice a change; the snow would start melting, the ice would thaw, and before we knew it, the sweet smell of grass and flowers began to scent the air. Life can be tough, cold and dark, just like the seasons; perhaps you are in a season like this right now. Let me remind you that no matter how endless hard times seem or how dark it may get and cold it may feel, there is still hope - a life with new meaning awaits you. The challenges, trials and pain we face in life will not last forever. Remember, life is like a season and just like the appearance of Spring, we again breathe the sweet fragrances of new life and hope. So, take heart and be encouraged! Even when we feel alone in our trials and tough seasons, a new season awaits us, filled with joy and blessing. God Bless!