It’s April, and all in our area know what that means. Scattered across neighborhoods and woodlands far and wide is my favorite reminder that spring is here—the dogwood tree. How appropriate for the season with i’s meaning and beauty.
Each year, I trim and watch and pamper each dogwood in my yard and pray that it will bloom in all its glory in April. Some are old and struggle, and I fear that each year will be their last. We have lost a few along the way; however, the glorious show of those blooms causes us to bring out the lights and showcase their beauty each evening, even though we live tucked into a wooded area.
Now, this time of year also brings rise to the dandelions. Some people love those dandelions and tuck them into teas and salads and all sorts of herbal relief. Me? Not so much. We watch for the forsythia to bloom so that the preventive cure of them taking over the green lawn will make us happier. Each to his own.
I’m ready for spring! The decorated blooms. The bushes, shrubs, and flowers. Spring reminds us that there is hope in the world and that gathering in celebrations, or simply with feet under a kitchen table for food or conversation, is coming close.
I tend to be more like that dogwood, seeking out beauty and life; searching for happiness and reminders that more days filled with sunshine and growing lie ahead. I will decorate my home and my door and my tables with flowers and bunnies and bird nests.
I’ll take more walks and fill my days with special recipes that herald spring and picnic gatherings (again).
You see, friends, life is too precious to focus on those dandelions or other things that you battle in your life. Should these be faced and dealt with at times? Certainly. But focusing on the joy and life and beauty all around is so much better for all of us.
So, may I suggest, sweet friends, that you gather (even if social distancing is necessary) for conversation, life, and meals. If it means distancing around a campfire, or outdoors on a lawn, or even block parties at the end of your driveway—grab those opportunities. Do not miss one word to impact or be impacted by another’s life.
Even if that meal is boxed, enjoy every bite.
Enjoy the laughter. Enjoy the sunsets and the sunrises. Enjoy the walks. Enjoy the weather—even if it means a walk in the rain.
Breathe it all in, friends, for that sweet smell of spring only occurs one time a year.
And guess what? These are the only spring days that you will have in your memories of 2021. Grasp each one. Create memories that you want to carry in the future (to replace those of the spring of 2020).
Just reminding myself, and you on this journey, that I am going to make these days the absolute best that they can be.
Now, dandelions do have endurance and persistence and spread like crazy. If that describes you, go for it!
Because whether we are like the dogwood or the dandelion, EACH is created uniquely and differently. No one can compare or replace you. That is amazing. Happy April!
