As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,

“Blessed is the king
    who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
    and glory in the highest heaven!”

 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”  He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” – Luke 19:37-40

ENTHUSIASM! This week in Wake Forest, we’re enjoying another dip into the coolness of early springtime. The temperature read 28-degrees when I walked Scout this morning and the day promises to be cool, clear, and brilliantly sunny.

The azaleas in our garden – at least the ones the deer have yet to munch on – are in full bloom, the dogwoods too; and the trees surrounding the house are filling out with their bright new leaves.

Inside, every surface is coated with yellow pollen, but the weather is far too inviting to even think about closing the doors and windows; I’ll just vacuum more often till it’s all done.

Everywhere there seems to be an air of celebration. The imperative of creation is irrepressible.

PASSION! Tuesday evening I met with my monthly “men’s ministry leaders” small group by conference call. We talked about evidence of life and passion for life in the church. As always, it was an encouraging exchange; but at the same time it was heartbreaking to hear more than one story of church leaders – even ministers – failing to engage any enthusiasm for or interest in the transformational nature of new life in Christ.

“If my disciples were to keep quiet,” Jesus said in response to religious leaders who complained about their enthusiasm, “the stones alongside this road would shout out!”

Today, around our community, the trees and the shrubs and the flowers and the birds are all shouting God’s praise! How much more should we – beings of light and life – demonstrate some enthusiasm for this gift of re-creation, new creation, resurrection – the invitation to truly live!

This is the Gospel of Love! This is good news! How can I keep from singing?

– DEREK

surrounded by trees

new Japanese Maple

azalea in full bloom

Looking from Maul-Hall to my parents’ home, and around the cul-de-sac

past the willow

neighborhood