John 12:24: Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

In this passage, Jesus is talking with His disciples. It is the last week of His life on earth, prior to His death and resurrection. He uses this seed illustration following this previous statement: (v23) “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

In referencing the planting of a grain of wheat in the earth; the “burial” of the seed; the subsequent hidden from sight germination process; and resulting sprout (resurrection) of the plant to “bear much fruit,” He is describing not only His own death and resurrection, but the purpose of it, as well.

March is a month filled with resurrection, all around us. As the days grow longer, the sunshine warms the air, the trees, and the ground. The dormancy of winter ebbs away and each day we see resurrection. The trees bud, the grass turns green, and perennial plants sprout from the soil.

Romans 1:20 explains that His “invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

Creation itself illustrates His choice to lay His life down for us; this divine miracle of death and resurrection.

As we go about our daily lives this spring, may we have eyes to see and hearts of gratitude for the beauty of resurrection life, all around us.

Take moments to be still. Feel the sun on your face. Wiggle your toes in the grass. Listen to the symphony of song birds heralding the new season. See, really see, the myriad of emerging color.

Be present. Soak in the Grace of Today.