The Canadian geese have returned to the pond, trees are beginning to bud, and the tulips and daffodils are peeking out from the barren ground – all signaling the nearness of a new season here in the mountain.

I love the spring season and the newness of life it brings. One of my favorite passages of scripture points to the arrival of springtime.

Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in the land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. (Song of Songs 2: 10-13)

What a beautiful passage of scripture filled with new life,  hope, and an invitation to come away.  While the Song of Songs is about the romantic relationship between a bride and his bridegroom, it has also been used as a secondary application to Christ and His bride, the church.

Christ desires for us to come away, spend time with him, and grow closer to him.  I like to block out entire mornings or afternoons, and at times an entire day, and schedule a date with God. I go for a walk in the woods, sit by the pond, and simply enjoy being in the presence of God. No cell phone. No TV. No internet. I read my Bible, pray, and listen to praise and worship music on my iPod. I always came away from those special dates with a renewed faith and tremendous blessing.

It’s been a long time since I’ve taken the time to do that, and I miss it. I’m blocking out a date with God in my planner soon!

Amazing things await us when we heed God’s call to come away. The winter is nearly past and signs of spring are everywhere. God is waiting to fill us with joy in his presence if we simply answer the call.

Will you answer his call today? Whether you have only a half hour or an entire day, time spent with God, minus all the distractions of technology and life, is the best way to refresh your tired and weary soul.