Blooming

Is there anything more revitalizing and yet peaceful at the same time, than a bulb about to flower? Whether crocus, tulip or amaryllis, with the promise of colour, growth and coming warmth, it is a glorious reminder of life.

We have some bulbs in our windowsill and they have been sweet friends of mine this wet winter. Sometimes it seems like it will take forever for them to open and yet at the same moment, they do it so quickly and quietly that it catches us unawares. We marvel to each other at the steady swiftness of each flower as it unfurls its petals... but they are so silent and humble in their exquisite progress that it catches us unawares and all of a sudden, we are face to face with a red burst of amaryllis or a pink flare of crocus.

As we continue in this new year, perhaps we need to be more aware of the quiet yet beautiful progress that we have made as individuals. Like the flowers in our window, I find myself surprised at the progress of the "work" that is being done within me. Even the tiniest bloom of transformation is beautiful. Instead of becoming bogged down with the have-not-done's and the impossible's, I want to encourage you to examine yourself to see how far you have come with what you have and to rejoice in that growth and its signification... and I will rejoice with you as we cherish the colour of it all.