When spring is in the air, the beauty of nature holds the promise of new life, “for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone” (Song of Solomon 2:11). Daffodils and tulips emerge from the earth, trees seem to burst into full leaf almost overnight. With every sight and signal that spring is here, we see evidence of the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

Lent is a time of spiritual introspection and self-examination that leads to the renewal of our faith and a closer relationship with God.

What is the land of hope? Where is the land of hope? How do we pitch our tent in the land of hope when we grieve the death of one we love?

The seasons of nature are an integral part of God’s order in the world. The emotional muscle memory of grief often takes us by surprise. A time, a place, a smell, or an event can trigger our emotions and quickly transport us back to our experience of grief. Whatever the season, the heart remembers—always.

The assurance of God's faithfulness is that love is. Love is everlasting. Love is eternal. Love is real, “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:7-8 NIV).

Comfort is not a one-time, one-size-fits-all experience that can fix our grief and send us on our way in life. Rather, comfort is a recurring part of grief. When we grieve, God is persistent, often relentless in offering comfort, sometimes in ways we could never imagine. God comforts us again and again and again, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” (Psalm 71:20-21 NIV).

What is it about grief that seems so at odds with the notion of recovery? When one we love dies, the feeling that all is lost seems far removed from any idea of recovery.

 As we travel the journey of grief, we search for a new direction in life. With the death of one we love, the familiar roadmap of our life is turned upside down—in an instant north becomes south, east becomes west. We cannot get our bearings.

What, then, is hope? Hope is part of who we are. Every person is born with hope. We are hard-wired from birth to hope. We hope because we are divinely created human beings. God created us to hope—to be hopeful, hope-filled people.

Every puzzle begins with an image, a picture that, when the last piece is put into place, suggests completion if not perfection. Over the years we attempt to assemble the puzzle of our life. Time and again the restless pursuit of emotional and spiritual peace compels us to take down the puzzle, look at the picture, and try to make sense of the puzzle of our life.

We live our days in pursuit of a self-determined life. We see ourelf as independent, self-reliant, and capable—until we are not. At some time, whether by outward force or personal circumstance, we are reduced to a state of helplessness. Too often we turn to God only as a last resort.

As ordinary people, seldom do we sustain the euphoria of a mountaintop experience in our everyday life.