A stained-glass Church window depicts Christ’s recovery from death and ascension as described in the Holy Bible

Springtime is special in these mountains. Physically away from metropolitan challenges, we can look out at the morning’s mist, see the sun coming up over a distant hill, and know we are recipients of God’s gifts to people.

There seems to be a yearning at this time of year for certain events to happen as they have traditionally fallen into place – that of cruising, crocus-watching and elevated church crosses. Each has a special significance and each invites us to begin another lively year where travel is possible, beauty abounds and we know in our hearts that a deep spirituality lives among us.

It is not unusual as April appears to have seen our first robin assuring us that, indeed, spring has arrived. Dads are packing gear on Friday nights to make their first trip to the trout streams. And, if luck prevails, they will come upon some ramp patches they can offer for frying pans when they return home (fish or no-fish).

A splendid event is taking place this April Fool’s Day today. No kidding. Steering vehicles to the North today and moving toward Morgantown’s Mylan Park Ruby Center will reveal a 130-booth Arts and Crafts Show with vendors attending from four states.

As a tour may be made through our Highland Region, we can be mindful of new specialty coffee venues known as Tip-Top Coffee and located on both Elkins’ 125 East Third Street beside COMMONDOOR and Thomas’ 216 East Avenue near the Purple Fiddle.

Easter Worship is always a special occasion at the Tygarts Valley Presbyterian Church. With pure gothic architecture design, the church was dedicated 140 years ago.

Some dessert items can also be found here. Whomever is awarded the privilege of driving the family on their first spring outing will be thankful for at least one cup of coffee as they twist through multiple curves and small town stoplights.

Thanks to thousands of West Virginians who care about how pleasing things are to the eye, we have unmatched beauty around every corner. If “Jack Frost” will leave us alone, we could not find prettier scenes than our residential neighborhoods or rural roadsides. We understand the words “being blessed” when this season finally arrives.

Arrays of lovely flowers are beginning to pop their heads through the ground and appear as if they are a welcoming committee. All those tulip bulbs planted in the autumn with the assurance that their bright eyes would find us in spring, are proud to finally greet us.

The great joy of this year’s Easter may be the sight of those believing friends we care for so much smiling and sharing their usual stories. Among them may be the story of the cross that is one of life’s most poignant and promising events. It is a drama that involves the entire world and its message still lives today. To ignore it, would be like waking-up with no sun.

So, as we work at spending moments recreating, let us not forget our families, our friends. or our Holy Father. We would want none of these to forget us.

While venturing through the area, the first robin appeared on Feb. 17.

And, as time passes from year-to-year, I think as Appalachians we can be very pleased that we never forget where we come from. And, it certainly helps us know where we are going.

May your footsteps arrive where it is most important for you to be. And may you be richly blessed by understanding that love and peace come from a devotion to God that brings cooperation and service in His Name.