Springtime promises new beginning

There’s a tree in my front yard that is truly gorgeous this time of year. I’m no horticulturist, so I have no idea what kind of tree it is, but it has the prettiest pink blooms. Some of you probably have a guess what kind of tree it is without even seeing it, and I bow to your knowledge.

Last year the day after this tree bloomed, we had a torrential spring rainstorm, and every bloom blew off. This year, however, I have been enjoying the sight of this tree for over a week now, and I only wish it would last forever.

To me springtime always feels like a chance to start over. The world turns green and seems fresh and new after a cold, dull, brown winter. Suddenly everything is brighter, crisper. I feel like I haven’t really noticed anything or even been awake at all for the past three months, and now it’s time to stir and find myself alive in the world again.

It’s time to get out and soak up a little spring sunshine – with proper sun protection, of course. It’s time for a walk in the park or time to just sit outdoors with a glass of iced tea – or my personal poison of choice, Diet Mountain Dew – and read or watch the traffic go by.

Since December, it has seemed like the only thing to do was hole up with a bowl of chili and wonder why God didn’t design humans for hibernation. Now, however, “the winter is past,” as King Solomon said, and “the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come,” (Song of Solomon 2:11-12).

It’s true the first day of spring is officially still two weeks away – but the pink tree in my front yard says otherwise, and that’s all right by me.

What’s your favorite way to break free from the winter blues and enjoy the spring sunshine? Do you have beautiful tree or shrub that you love to see bloom each year? I’d love to hear your thoughts: alison.james@fct.wpengine.com.