“Taste the Green”

by Kelly Wilson Mize

When I was a little girl, my family and I once lived in a house with a yard that didn’t have any grass. The pine-shaded area made for easy maintenance, and it was cozy; but I always missed nature’s green carpeting. I told my parents that when I grew up, I was going to have a house where the yard would be filled with beautiful green grass, soft enough to run and jump and tumble in.

I am a devoted fan of chlorophyll. The sight of green leaves in springtime is so welcome to me after a long winter filled with dark skies and a world nearly void of color. Green is in between yellow and blue on the spectrum of visible light. It’s a mix of the light of the sun, and the color of the bluest sky: God’s perfection. I can see green with my eyes, and almost feel it in my soul. It offers a glimpse of new life, but also signifies the comforting return of an old friend. Spring awakens in me senses that have been dormant for months. There is a green so vivid, I can almost taste it.

But for many of us, just about the time the grass turns green and the flowers burst into full-color, life too, bursts with renewed activity. With end-of-school-year activities, graduations, weddings, summer planning, and other commitments, the month of May is often chaotic and stressful, even with the aesthetic beauty that is being reborn around us. We start to crave the warm comfort and color that we missed so much throughout the winter, but at the same time, sadly realize we don’t have time to fully drink it in!

It’s not surprising that David refers to the color green in one of his most beloved songs of praise, Psalm 23. Most of us have found restoration in those “green pastures.” There is peace, strength, courage and comfort when we allow ourselves to submit to the One who made the grass so beautifully green. The colors of springtime help renew our faith in an amazing Creator, and in the hope of growth and renewal that only He can offer.

When you start to feel that familiar springtime stress this month, take a few minutes to connect with the Shepherd in the perfect green meadow that He created just for you.

Be still.

Be renewed.

Be strengthened.

Be courageous.

Be led.

Be protected.

Be comforted.

Feast on His peace.

And fully taste the green.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

About the Author: Kelly Wilson Mize

 Kelly Wilson Mize considers it a personal, God-given mission to encourage others with words. She is a wife, mother of two teenagers, librarian at Westminster Christian Academy, and freelance writer who has lived in the Huntsville area for over twenty years. Kelly has a master’s degree in elementary education, and over a decade of teaching experience in both private and public schools. She also has a variety of published writing experience including numerous articles and interviews, various curriculum projects, hundreds of devotions for both children and adults, and contributions to six books. Kelly’s credits include LifeWay Christian Resources, Focus on the Family, Adams Media, Group Publishing, and The Huntsville Times. In addition, Kelly recently became an approved editor for the Christian Editor Connection network and is a member of the Christian Pen. Visit Kelly’s author page: Kelly Wilson Mize Amazon and follow her on Twitter @kellywilsonmize.

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