It has been a long, hard winter in most parts of the country. We even had snow in Houston, where I hang my hat and plug in my computer. But this last weekend I took a drive and saw what is a sure sign of spring and a new beginning in Texas—bluebonnets!

They are the state flower of Texas and at this time of year—especially after a very wet, cold, miserable winter—fill fields and roadsides throughout the state. As I was driving, looking at all of the evidence of a new beginning for the landscape of South Texas, I began thinking about our upcoming The Gathering 2010 and the Christian retail world.

We all know that retail of all kinds is struggling. According to some reports, Christian retail seems to be losing traction in the marketplace, and it would be easy to believe that there is no hope for the industry as a whole.

I felt that way last winter, when it seemed like there would never be sunshine again in South Texas. My family, who lives in Ohio, had more than 60 inches of snow. I am sure those who dealt with all of the snow and ice truly felt there was no hope for spring.

But spring did come—the wildflowers are blooming, the sun is shining most days, and there is nothing but promise in the air. And that is how I am feeling about our industry.

There is promise in the air. We have an industry built on a purpose for its existence like no other part of retail and on a God who keeps His promises.

There are many fine Christians in secular retail, but only in Christian retail are the product, purpose and the people all built on one reason-to spread the good news of Christ and encourage Christian growth.

Beginning with The Gathering 2010, the industry is coming together, and there will be times of frank conversation, sharing of ideas and open dialogue about how we approach this new millennium of retail. There will be other occasions to do so, too, as the year goes on, but this is the beginning ... the springtime, if you will.

We may not yet see the roses bloom, but we will see them bud; we may not see the fruit, but we will see the blossoms. Just like the bluebonnets in Texas are more plentiful and more beautiful after a long, cold, wet winter, so Christian retail will rise up stronger and more viable after its long struggle with the perfect storm of economic failure, the Internet explosion and secular retail encroachment.

Time and again we see God give man a new beginning. Noah and his ark; Moses and his exile, then leading his people across the Red Sea; Jonah and the big fish; Paul and his salvation experience—and you and me every time we stumble. He is a God of second chances and new beginnings. He gave us spring after winter so that there is always hope.

I am excited to be just a small part of what promises to be three days of prayer, worship, fellowship and learning with some of the most committed leaders and vendors in the industry, next week at The Gathering 2010.

It is not too late for you to be a part of the springtime of Christian retail. I would love for you to come be a part of the new beginning of the greatest industry in the world—all for the glory of the One we serve.