The Spring Equinox marks an official end to winter, as the long dark months fade, and the world slowly wakes from it’s slumber. Night and day are equal in length, and the sun and moon are in perfect balance until the Autumn Equinox.
This time of year marks a shift from the internal headspace of winter, to the external expression and creativity of spring. It symbolizes rebirth, renewal, fertility, balance, optimism, and new life—the perfect parallel with Easter right around the corner!
The lenten season is one of waiting and intention. It’s also about the anticipation and preparation leading up to Christ’s resurrection. It’s the perfect time to set intentions, plan actionable steps, and place faith in God’s plan for the future. New life is an obvious theme this time of year, but another overlooked thing to reflect on is BALANCE.
Something typically seen as level, content, or even-keeled, balance can also relate to yin and yang, or opposites held in perfect tension. Divinity vs humanity, light vs dark, spiritual vs physical, eternal vs temporary, healed vs broken, plus countless other examples. They all speak to the cycle of life and death, and springtime brings us the promise of a fresh start.
All the signs of Spring unfolding point back to our true source of life—faith in Jesus. Whatever may be happening in our personal lives or the world around us, we can walk with lightness because of God’s promise for everlasting life.
It’s no secret we live in a broken world, with mental health on the rise, people are active online yet feeling alone and disconnected more than ever before. Whatever challenges we face in this life, no matter what or how deep, Spring reminds us that our human heartache can only be brought back into balance through the supernatural power of God’s sovereign hand.
This time of year reminds us to be present, notice the small signs of hope, and the constancy of God’s love. Merely breathing in the fresh air, hearing sweet birdsong, or admiring blossoms that open more and more each day, provide assurance that our current difficulties will fade and one day we’ll reside in the eternal peace of Heaven.
So what are some tangible ways to celebrate this gift of new life? Here are 11 simple ideas to cultivate gratitude, inspiration, and hope for the months ahead.
1. Decorate with florals
Create your own flower bouquet, a green terrarium, or pick some fresh flowers to decorate your home. This is probably the easiest idea on the list, but bringing even a small bit of natural color indoors is always an instant pick-me-up!
2. Add oils to your routine
Using essential oils or fresh herbs is a perfect way to welcome the new season! Some common varieties for this time of year include: lavender, lilac, lemon balm, rosemary, chamomile, sage, jasmine, and mint. (One of my favorite brands is Saje—not an affiliate, they just have great high quality products!)
Another way to incorporate herbs is by creating a simmer pot. This helps purify the air naturally, and infuses your home with fresh scents. Bring a pot of water to boil and add in lemon peels, rosemary springs, dried eucalyptus, lavender, or other flower petals.
3. Create a custom drink
This is a great idea for a dinner party or girl’s night in. Have fun experimenting with new cocktail or mocktail creations. Lookup base recipes on Pinterest, then improvise using fresh berries, citrus, and edible flowers. Some popular varieties include lavender, rosebud, geranium, or herbs. Florals or small berries also make cute ice cubes in any drink. If you’re short on time or looking for a healthier option, simply infuse water with whatever fruit you have on hand!
4. Plan a picnic
Whether it’s at a nearby park or in your own backyard, picnics are another fun and relatively simple activity to connect with loved ones. Popular food ideas include deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, parfaits, cheeses, nut or seed crackers, plus lemonade, iced tea, or infused water. Carrot cake makes for a perfect dessert, or if you want something more fruity, this berry crumble is a crowd favorite and super easy to throw together!
5. Read devotional outside
Spend time in prayer surrounded by God’s wonderful creation. Read your regular devotional outside, or meetup with friends for Bible study. And if you’re looking for a new read, there are several devotionals included in the digital bookshelf!
6. Spring cleaning
It’s a common practice this time of year to declutter spaces and deep clean your home. While this can be physically cleaning out rooms, closets, or the garage, also plan time to organize photos and digital files so you’re better prepared for the rest of the year ahead.
7. Open the windows
Even if it’s still a bit chilly where you live, fresh air flow is a tactile reminder of warmer days ahead and spending more time outside. Plus, it can help save a little bit of energy!
8. Write it out
A personal favorite for the start of any new season (or really any time of year!) is journaling. It’s a great activity because there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. You can download templates from places like Etsy, keep it super organized and aesthetic (just search bullet journals on Pinterest) or simply brain dump any thoughts in stream-of-consciousness style.
Some reflection questions to help you start:
- Looking back, what have I accomplished in the past year?
- What would I like to accomplish by the end of this year?
- What are a few tangible ways I can surrender my desires to God?
- How has God shown His provision for me throughout my life?
- What steps can I take to be more present and better serve those around me?
9. Get gardening
Pickup some seeds to plant new flowers, herbs, or produce. There’s just something about growing your own foods and flowers to use at mealtime! Alternatively, if you’re not yet ready to care for plants, stop by a local bookstore or library to checkout gardening books and explore what piques your interest.
10. Explore sustainable alternatives
Spring is the perfect time to learn about sustainability and more natural options! This Non-Toxic Tracker takes a practical approach to wholesome living. It includes pages for each room in your home, to easily organize and implement changes—PLUS go-to products, simple meal ideas, and even how mental health and faith can influence physical wellness.
Whether you’ve already gone down the non-GMO rabbit hole, or you’re not sure what GMO even means, this free non-tox guide will help you connect the dots on your journey to clean living!
11. Spend time outside
Last but not least, spend time in the great outdoors! Go for a walk in nature, noticing all the small yet magnificent signs of the world waking up into Spring—deeper shades of green emerging, new flower buds speckling branches, light reflecting off dewdrops, animals chattering away in the canopy of leaves above.
Bible Verses Inspired by NEW LIFE
- Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
- Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… therefore, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in the newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)
The old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new! (Revelation 21:4-5)
≫ What other ways can you honor God’s gracious gift of new life?
Read anything here that resonates? Save your favorite blog posts to Pinterest so others can find it too, and follow TheBeaconRoad on Substack for more bite sized content 🙂 Your support means so much—thank you for being here!
