Like many of you, I started working in my yard this past week when the weather was nice for a few days. Turning over flower beds and discarding the detritus from last fall rejuvenated my soul after this long winter. Of course two days later it snowed and the temperatures dropped 30 degrees, but that is to be expected in an Iowa spring.
Seeing the rotted leaves removed and finding the beginnings of tulips and daffodils underneath brings awe and hope to me, even though I have participated in this ritual for over 50 years. I understand the science behind bulbs. Realizing that those bulbs have survived the harsh winter and are eager to push their way up out of the ground, is a true miracle to me. Most of the bulbs in our yard were planted long before we moved here 10 years ago, yet still they come up every year as brilliant as ever.
It is inspiring to know what the bulbs know; enduing a winter of subzero temperatures and ice storms and snow has only toughened them to be ready to burst forth in the spring. This act of defiance against what would seem logical is what they need in order to come forth in the spring. If they didn’t have the freeze of winter, they wouldn’t be blooming in the spring.
To me, spring is a time of hope and healing. The barren landscape becomes rejuvenated as leaves return to trees and flowers and plants poke up through the soil from their winter slumber. The icy grip of winter has finally receded and new growth and life covers the landscape, a welcome replacement from the ice and snow that once held us in its clutch.
The same is true with us; we often come through stronger and more resilient after we have suffered something difficult. The pain of the trial teaches us to appreciate how good things were before the challenge entered our lives. Looking back on the times in our lives when we’ve been able to make it through trying times gives us courage to face future struggles.
Having hope in demanding times will help us to keep going until things get better for us. Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” It might only be a flicker of light, but we can cling to it until things are improved and we are experiencing better times. Think of the child going to bed at night and asks to have the bedroom door left open just a crack to allow light in from the hallway. That crack of light gives her hope that the dark bedroom isn’t as scary as it appears.
The poet Emily Dickinson wrote about hope when she said:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops — at all –
That last line summarizes hope so well; “And never stops at all.” Hope helps us to keep going even when the odds are against us. For that is what hope is, the belief that things will get better, that all is not lost, that winter will end and spring will come…..just as it does year after year.
As you get outside and get your fingers in the soil and see the tiny tendrils of plants coming up after the long winter, may it be a reminder to you of the hope that the season of spring is to all of us. And may you find the hope to keep going and keep trying and never stop at all.
Getting ready for spring’s awakenings
March 23, 2023