The first days of spring-like weather after a long cold winter hold a special sense of promise to them. After the rivers ice over and foot traffic disappears for weeks on end as people hunker down, seeing them reemerge seems amazing for such a usually mundane sight.
This winter was one to note after warm ones for the past few years, and hopefully, this spring will bloom with an attitude of relief and rebirth.
As a Christian, spring is the time of resurrection, the ultimate rebirth — the one (Christ’s walking out of the tomb) that makes our own personal rebirth and renewal possible. That always magnifies the budding trees and tulips pushing up through the recently frozen ground in a way that resonates.
As a baseball fan here in Pittsburgh, the sense of springtime rebirth has been a wispy, quickly vacating thing for years, as our local Pirates team has been cellar dwellers for about as long as a team can be. In other towns, even after bad years, the mantra Hope Springs Eternal feels like the possibility of a better year is at one’s fingertips.
This year, it seems, might prove different. In what are likely the Pirates’ waning days with the best pitcher in baseball, phenom Paul Skenes, the Buccos seem to actually be making an effort to field a pro-level ballclub.
This may prove fleeting, but it does for most teams each year. The very possibility of it is the thing that feels different. They’ve picked up a couple of sluggers, brought in more pitching, and improved (on paper) their defense while removing new manager Don Kelly’s “interim” label to solidify the coaching picture.
As a Little League coach, we held our first practice at the field this past weekend. It was rough — as is to be expected — but it had some highlights. Young Josiah, who emerged as a slugger over the course of last season, showed even more power during batting practice. He may land a ball on the Moon this year.
I’m glad spring is, despite the usual headfake of a few more snowflakes and cold air, coming in. I’m glad we can get out and interact with our community. And my ol’ bones are glad the deep freeze is behind us.
I’m hoping to get a few older folks out of their houses as the real warm air comes in. Many of our elderly folks don’t have much to do, and after a long winter of isolation, hope and joy can seem distant memories. A picnic day in the sunshine with some conversation and laughter can go a long way toward shaking off the doldrums.
If you have neighbors or relatives who might need that boost, reach out to them.
If you need help with it, reach out to me. Maybe a Pirates game or a trip up to the Little League field might work, too.
Either way, get outside and enjoy the spring as it comes in. Don’t miss out the season of rebirth — it’s a sensory massage after the stiff, cold and dim run of winter dreary.
The Rev. James Hogan is a native of Stowe Township and serves as pastor of Faithbridge Community Church. His views do not reflect the views of the West Hills Gazette.
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