(The United Methodist Hymnal – #707)
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Our lives are a mystery, Lord, each moment bringing something new and unknown. Standing at the precipice, we cannot see over the edge. For some, this is exciting, the anticipation of change is charged with positive energy. For others, the stress of constant shifting is debilitating. We want stability, something to hold on to, something we can trust.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Our hope and our trust is in you, God, who lends strength and courage as our lives twist and turn. Your love is our anchor that steadies us. Your Word guides us through the labyrinth of fear and indecision. Your steadfast hand is upon us throughout all our days.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Why are we afraid, Lord? Why are we afraid? Life is a circle always coming around to the beginning. When doubt clouds our vision, the wind of your Spirit gently restores our faith. When we are swallowed by pain and suffering, your grace and mercy plucks us out of our misery. And at the end when things look the darkest, you swoop us up into your arms and carry us home! The promise is fulfilled!
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Liturgy for This and That 