On this day, I simply want to BE - to soak up some
sun and enjoy the spectacular views. Sitting on a grassy bluff surrounded by
towering madrone and Douglas fir trees, I gaze across the vast expanse of sand
exposed by the receding tide. Beyond the sands lay the waters of Georgia Strait,
snow-capped mountains of mainland British Columbia forming a dramatic backdrop.
Closing my eyes briefly, I hear the soft swish of the wind in the trees and feel
the warmth of the sun on my face. We have come here for rest and relaxation - what
a day to be alive!
We have come through the long season of darkness. Some
of us may carry heavy burdens and feel no relief with this passage of time. But
we are still here as the days lengthen and the earth warms.
As Easter people, we have passed through a time of sadness and grief and come forward into the light of new hope. Once again, we witness a season of newness and rebirth.
In the woods blooms appear on Indian plum, salmonberry, red flowering current and Oregon grape, while redwood sorrel, trillium, and delicate Pacific bleeding heart brighten the forest floor.
As Easter people, we have passed through a time of sadness and grief and come forward into the light of new hope. Once again, we witness a season of newness and rebirth.
In the woods blooms appear on Indian plum, salmonberry, red flowering current and Oregon grape, while redwood sorrel, trillium, and delicate Pacific bleeding heart brighten the forest floor.
In our
yards forsythia, dogwood, rhododendron, bluebells, tulips, and many others burst
forth in various colors and scents.
We drift off to sleep with the peeping of
frogs and awake to the singing of birds, which are already nesting and caring
for young; young fawns will soon be seen with their cautious mothers.
Dusty,
bug-gnawed leaves will be seen later, but now all new growth appears shiny-bright
and squeaky-clean.
We anticipate all that is new: a landscape full of
surprises, a first-born child, a joining of lives in marriage. Still to come are graduations, anniversaries,
and celebrations we’ve yet to plan. Rejoice in this, for as spring progresses
with wave after wave of sprouting, unfolding, and blooming we are led toward
the full-fledged burgeoning of summer. After our dark, cool, wet winters who
does not welcome that?
It is a time to savor and enjoy. There is much to be
learned from the never-ending cycle of seasons, for we can – each of us – begin
anew; we can be refreshed, changed, improved.
If there are things undone, we
can do them. If we owe an apology or need to make amends, we can do that. If we
are weary, we can rest. We can get our affairs in order; if necessary, we can
say our good-byes. We can change our household, our appearance, our habits, our
state of mind, our outlook or attitude. We can change our actions, or finally
act at all. We can accept that challenge, take on that task, meet that new
person, or send that letter. We can make that call, visit that friend, and hold
that hand. This is a time of renewal and second chances - thank GOD we have
those.
Now it springs up; do you
not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:18-19
Your photos are lovely, and your header is thoroughly captivating!
ReplyDeleteAmen! You have captured the spirit of the season once again.
ReplyDelete