We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:22-23).
There is one doleful aspect to the generally delightful start of spring here in Michigan. It comes with the melting of the snow: Car-slain deer carcasses not long ago hidden beneath shrouds of white are thrusting up their broken ribs as flags for carrion-hungry crows, ravens, and vultures. Added to this are the scattered bodies of raccoons, opossum, skunks, and other 
creatures that have never gained understanding, as have the crows and ravens, of the physics of speeding automobiles.
My old orchard is brown and gray with here and there a few bright spots of brilliant red provided by clusters of high bush cranberries shriveled and ready to be pushed off their stems by the pressure of sap called up from the roots by increased sunlight and warmth.
Because of the normal early spring drabness of the orchard, my eyes were captured one March day last year by a spot of shocking yellow. I thought another bit of litter must have been blown into this little patch of wild that I treasure; so I walked over to remove
the offense—and was blessed to discover what I had not seen there before: a cluster of crocuses. They looked like a tiny chunk of sun fallen through the clouds to remind me of the glory of rebirth soon to fill this spot.
As the first blooms of spring, crocuses are hope flowers. They symbolize that wonderful passage from Romans 8.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:18-28).
I highlighted two important recurring words in this passage: hope and groan. This is the wonder of the “whole Gospel.” Nature groans in its present circumstances—groaning often 
caused both accidentally and deliberately by mankind. We groan too—in pain and in the realization that until Jesus returns, we will suffer unto death. And the Holy Spirit groans.
Understandable isn’t it. What we know from the second verse in the Bible is that the Spirit is the One who oversees and provides life. Life is the Spirit’s everlasting work. Yet on this earth now, the Spirit also hovers over death in all its forms. So the Spirit groans with and for us in our pain and our dying. And I believe the Spirit groans with the suffering of creation—suffering set before our own eyes almost daily in the form of crushed roadkill.
Yet within this cheerless setting is the bright Sonlight of hope: the wonderful realization that the pain of nature is not meaningless pain.
Creation’s pain is pregnant pain! At its completion comes both birth and rebirth.
So for the present follower of Christ and all who will come to know Him in the future, there is not one day that will not have a crocus of hope in it. Our suffering will cease, not only with our soul’s eventual flight to the arms of Jesus, but also when our souls are reunited with our new incorruptible bodies and we again experience wonderful material life from the Spirit and share it in inexpressible joy with the reborn, refreshed, renewed creation that now groans—yet groans always in hope. (1 Corinthians 15:35-49)
[Snowy crocus photo source: by longwayround]
March 5th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
At my home in western NC, the Jonquil is Spring’s first returning sign. This hardy little beauty pushes itself up through the soil when the temperature moderates at the very least. I am amazed at how even trampled down red dirt can give way to a jonquil breaking up clods of winter hardened ground to stretch out in blazing yellow to announce the soon coming arrival of warmer weather. If we listen closely, we may even hear the jonquil “groaning” as it struggles in its annual appearance.
If the Jonquil could speak, I believe it would say to me,” get those hiking boots dusted off and waterproofed. Its time to get outside and enjoy the new season.”
March 7th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Dean, Am looking foreward with great joy to the sights, sounds and aroma of spring.
We have 30 inches of snow still on the ground this morning. It is a solid mass of compressed snow. The ground beneath is soft and wet.
Also am wondering what effect it may have on the spring flowers that will remain locked under the ice for a longer period.
Steve
March 7th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Great pictures. My wife said there’s a flower coming up somewhere on our lot, I believe. My favorite time of the year. Spring. And early Spring is wonderful in seeing the first signs of budding life. Can’t wait either until the Spring of the new creation to come in the resurrection in Jesus. At least something to look forward to!
March 7th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Dear Mr. Dean Ohlman. I have been coming to your site and reading for some time now. You have shared so much of God and His Creation with us. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry. But always after reading, the Spirit within me is energized. And I thank you Mr. Dean Ohlman, for all that you share of God.
I live on the southern tip of MD., the Chesapeake Bay to my East, and a large body of water called Deep Creek to the West and South of us. We have but one way in and out of here to the county road. It is a mile long gravel road that winds through the woods and around a pond. And there is a long stretch of sandy beach out front. So much of God’s beautiful Creation around us. My 5 Granddaughters have been raised down here among the things that belong to God, as I have been their caretaker from the time they were babies. They have learned and know, if you are still and quiet you can hear His nature talking. And they have also learned and know, to take care of and love, and have compassion for all that belongs to God. For other humans, animals, and all of His nature. And they too see the very wonder of God’s Creation. How God reveals Himself, His love for us, in so many ways through His Creation. I am always in awe with the magnificence of God’s Creation. And just when you think that you have seen it all, He shows us something more. I love Our beautiful Lord!
And yes. The Spirits groanings are so loud anymore. The destruction of what God has created is heartbreaking. So many man made machines killing the animals, and the vegetation, the trees. It breaks my heart to see all the clear cutting of God’s magnificent trees. And the effect it has on the animals and birds and insects. But to know that one day we will be in Jesus’s arms and renewed, and the world renewed and no more sadness. No more evil. This is the joy and the hope and the reason that keeps us going down here. To live each day for God. With love, compassion, and patience. And having faith in not just believing that God can. But knowing that He will. Jesus Christ is our hope for all humanity, and for all that belongs to God.
I am writing you because I received a link to a beautiful site from a dear friend today. It has so much to do with the Ecstacy and Agony of Spring that you wrote. God has again showed me something new in His wonder of creation! And I did so want to share it with you Mr. Dean Ohlman. It is a beautiful story about spring and God’s Creation. The author is unknown. I just don’t know if I can put links here. And now, this has become too long. But I know this all has to be approved before posting, so if you can’t post it, please take the time and go to the site. It is truly yet another, Wonder of God’s Creation!
http://wandascountryhome.com/pinetrees/index
Steve: I know this winter has been rough on you with all that snow. Here too. Not with all the snow like you, but with flooding. It has been much prayer and work to keep the water from coming in our home. But Jesus has given us His strength to fight it. So don’t worry about the flowers under the snow. Seems as though that all of God’s Creation works in harmony. One with the other. God is in control of all things. Be patient. And when the snow melts you might be surprised as to what is under there. I pray that it is many beautiful spring flowers that are happy to see the sun!
March 8th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Thanks for a beautiful comment, Claudia. Your grandchildren are blessed to have such a creation-sensitive mentor.
March 8th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Dean,
Last week at the YMCA I had an engaging conversation with an lady who was born and raised in Michigan. She, Christina, is the head nurse in the birth center of a local hospital here in Tacoma.
On a visit last year, she had participated in the annual Mackinac Bridge walk, which I believe you had mentioned in an earlier post.
She found it noteworthy how people referred to themselves by their geographical location in the state – the upper or lower peninsula. The terminology she used was “U-pers”.
Christina seemed sharp, attractive, and intelligent. She was a credit to your fine state.
March 8th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I have to go through the eastern part of Michigan’s upper peninsula (UP) when I visit my sister-in-law’s place on Manitoulin Island. It has been delightfully neglected in recent decades—which allows it to remain mostly wild and natural. The UP’s northern shoreline on Lake Superior is stunningly beautiful in many spots. Read the Wikipedia article on it here.