i’m  afraid that i think that our modern day world has lost much of its ability to appreciate wonder. it’s not often in my fast paced world that i stop long enough to marvel at the unknown or surprising and yet i feel drawn to this kind of curiosity of that which is beyond me.

i previously lived in a home where a cherry tree stood proud out front. every spring, i’d watch daily for the progression of the cherry blossoms. with sheer anticipation, i’d long for the day when the tree would finally burst in to the most stunning shade of pink and light up the front of my home. within days, the blossoms had become faint and any little breeze would send them fluttering to the ground. this whole process…although i waited all year for it…would last only days. then the tree would return to its naked state before sprouting it’s summer leaves.

there are whole cultures that anticipate and celebrate the cherry blossoms arrival and her signal of life. i’m waiting this year because i think we need a sign of life. we need to be reminded that life is just around the corner, especially in these hard times. i can see the buds forming…it won’t be long now. so look up and enjoy the signs of life, breathe deeply, and fill your lungs with fresh air from a new rain. it will get better.