process

The natural pattern of recovery after a wildfire is referred to as “ecological succession.” This is the process whereby the land, plants and wildlife move through various ecological stages in order to return to a state of relative stability. It's like hitting the “reset” button on the life cycle of a forest.

It has been a while since I have posted on my blog. I am uncertain if anyone has missed my thoughts put into words, but something has stirred in me this beautiful April morning. 

I find myself a little overwhelmed with the ongoing sadness that is plaguing our world and my country. The shootings, lingering pandemic and all the unintended consequences, a fatal car accident causing two young children to be motherless, and stage lV breast cancer took a mother of three. All people that did and could have changed the world for good, but reasons that mere humans cannot understand-they are no longer with us. 

All around me is something to be sad about. And yet, and yet, my heart still feels joy. I am alive. I have a new day, of which I am grateful. There is something deep in my soul that propels me to believe and see the world differently. Yes, the world is broken. Yes, I am flawed. But, unlike those previously mentioned, I have today.

My mind was triggered by thoughts of spring and new life. Each spring (and this one has been particularly spectacular), my girls make fun of me when I say- it looks like a Crayola box! It appears as if every color is represented in the blossoming blooms. The flowers are ever-so vibrant, and the leaves of the trees have an extra dose of chlorophyll! It is quite remarkable and a delight to one's eyes. But, not too long ago, the branches were bare, and much of the earth was a bit dormant.

Spring launches hope.

My mind drifted back to other forms of new life and revitalization; reconciliation through fire. A forest fire can be devastating. However, a fire can rejuvenate new life. I started to wonder, and perhaps hope, that maybe our country is in the midst of a forest fire? Maybe the flames will soon dwindle, the smoke will falter, the ashes will return to the soil, and new, beautiful, regenerated life will sprout, and our land will begin to heal and bloom like it never has before.

It is a process, a long, arduous process. If blossoms can form from dormant branches, and new life can come from ashes, I have to believe that the process can occur. 

Here’s to eternal spring and hope! 

Isn’t that the old saying, “hope springs eternal"?

• I posted this blog last night. This morning, I received this in my Inbox- I felt I needed to share it with you: Sowing Seeds of Hope.