In my February blog post, I featured a picture of a wall hanging titled Think Like a Tree, with several options about how a tree might think. I decided to choose one saying each month for myself. The quote I chose for this month is "Be prepared for each season." I like it because I am waiting for spring. The winter has been so long and so cold!
My small backyard has a large maple tree in the corner. Looking out my kitchen window one evening, I was surprised and delighted to see a gorgeous sunset, flaming orange and gold. I thanked my tree for reminding me of the beauty of each season, even though I am tired of winter! Since this photo was taken, the snow has mostly disappeared. Spring is on its way!
A long time ago, a daughter gifted me with a rainbow ceramic, which I recently set on the ledge of my bedroom window. When I walked into the bedroom one afternoon, the colors were reflected on the pillows of my bed. It was stunning!
I was reminded of God's promise to Noah that although there are disasters for which we are not prepared, there will be new beginnings. I cling to that promise as I prepare myself for what lies ahead.
Last year my daughter and I visited Folklorama. I was looking forward to seeing the Japanese pavilion where a friend participated. My daughter wanted to purchase something in her dad's memory so we decided on a fan. We chose the words and my friend painted them on the fan. I kept it for a while and then passed it on to my daughter. She had forgotten the words, and I couldn't remember them either! Neither of us can read Japanese so I texted my friend and she reminded me. The word in the center is spirit and the word on the right is his name, Hardy. His spirit is still with us!
"...Gladness may come to us in surprising ways even in our grief."
(B. Regier, Rejoice, March 3, 2025)
As I respond to this post, rain is beating against the window outside, and I have an electric heater at my feet. We are between seasons. Like you, I want to look for signs of hope and new life. One of them is the new Anabaptist Community Bible, which Stuart and I are reading, using the 365-Day Plan in the back of the book. Another is a companion book called Drawing Near: A Devotional Journey with Art, Poetry, and Reflection. These Herald Press publications have arrived just at the time when the politics of North America and Europe seem to be in chaos, not too much different from 16th-century Europe. We need each other, we need our faith, and we need our connections to each other. I am grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteYes, we are in changing times, both seasonally and politically! I look forward with joy to the seasonal change, but I fear what I see rising on the political landscape. The slumbering giant is once again raising its head! God have mercy!
DeleteI was reminded of God's promise to Noah that although there are disasters for which we are not prepared, there will be new beginnings. I cling to that promise as I prepare myself for what lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you put that Elfrieda.
Thank you, Kathy. Your words encourage me today!
DeleteThanks for this Elfrieda! I’m waiting for spring too and for a bit of gladness and relief from the onslaught of political news! Spring will come soon, I know. The rest is going to take time.
ReplyDeleteSpring always comes! And winter’s compost will take a while to make everything right again!
DeleteIn grief, you always broadcast hope in your posts here. And you fan the flames of love as you show us the Japanese fan. Hardy's spirit lives on and so does the love you've shared. Thank you, Elfrieda!
ReplyDeleteI cling to hope! Thank you for your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteSo much loveliness!
ReplyDeleteWhen the politics around us get so ugly nature reminds us not to forget the beauty that’s there in spite of the messes we create!
ReplyDeleteI saw some daffodils blooming in the ditch on my walk yesterday. When I turned on my Merlin App it identified 9 different bird species in a few minutes. It's good to get outside and escape the politics that seems to be trying to tear countries (and some families) apart. Thanks for writing, Elfrieda.
ReplyDeleteRobbie
Unfortunately … it’s a tumultuous time politically. I find it interesting that Elfrieda says that the giant has been awakened. Which appears to mean that an ugly history is repeating itself. So very sad for humanity. Once the weather warms, I’ll need to make a point of spending more time in nature.
DeleteYes, nature is the great healer. I find that even if I don’t feel like going outside, when I do so I am refreshed and rejuvenated!
DeleteYou’re fortunate to get spring earlier in B.C., Robbie! We still have snow on the ground but I saw the chickadees come to the little birdhouse on my deck where they nest every year. They give me hope!
ReplyDeleteThere is a time for everything and a season for each activity under the heavens!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to live in a country where we have seasonal changes. Each season brings its gifts, hopes and disappointments and I welcome the changes. Thanks for your thoughts Elfrieda and the beautiful photo Elfrieda❤️…..Ruth
Thanks, Ruth! I like the change of seasons too, but the winters are too long for my liking!
ReplyDeleteMy Lenten roses are blooming, and today the sky is a beautiful mix of sun and cloud. I'm grateful for these signs of spring and the springtime in our hearts, Elfrieda. Thank you for sharing your rainbow prism as a beautiful sign of hope.
ReplyDeleteYou’re welcome! It was too beautiful not to share!
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