In my opinion, dogwoods are the loveliest flowering trees. I delight seeing them emerge from green buds into beautiful white flowers. It only takes a few days of warm, we’ve had plenty of those lately, and dogwoods are in full bloom. No matter what tragic news erupts; sad reports of another Covid-19 surge, another horrible mass shooting, record number of children crossing the border only to be crammed into inadequate shelters to endure more hardships in hope of a better life. But, when I am walking on the trail or in my neighborhood, I am thankful for the arrival of spring in all its glory. Life renewing in all its magical splendor.
For Christians Easter symbolizes resurrection from death. We are able to comprehend the miracle of resurrection only if we see it in thousands of ways in spring time. No, the tragedies filling the airways are will not be silenced but spring offers hope. I am reminded of Julian of Norwich, who was on her deathbed at young age but miraculously recovered. All around her was death, the black plague was sweeping across Europe. Julian, an English anchoress saw misery and suffering from her window to the world. Yet, she was counselor and inspiration to all who came to her. Her writings are a treasure trove of inspiration. I happened across this quote that speaks to me:
“If there is anywhere on earth a lover of God who is always kept safe, I know nothing of it, for it was not shown to me. But this was shown: that in falling and rising again we are always kept in that same precious love.” https://www.ancient.eu/Julian_of_Norwich/
