Several years ago I was walking across our family farm. It was a March day; cool, cloudy, and damp.
The hills and woods appeared lifeless. Dead weeds covered the fields in matted clumps, while dark trees loomed around the edges like skeletons. Overhead the clouds with their dark shadows added to the sense of chill and foreboding.
But then…
Something directed my attention to the ground at my feet. And there I made a discovery. Practically concealed by the overgrowth of the previous year was the bloom of a tiny white flower. So miniscule that it took a second look to make sure I was seeing correctly. As I focused on that one flower, my vision broadened until I saw that the entire field was full of these blooms.
And my perspective changed. I began to hear the sound of a rushing stream coming from the woods. The singing of birds began to catch my attention. And, as I closely examined dark branches, I saw a tint of color testifying that life-giving sap was awakening the sleeping tree.
My lack of observation had almost cost me the thrill of seeing that all of nature was poised with life; preparing to leap into the unfettered joy of spring. Fortunately, I opened my eyes.
Makes me wonder, then…
How often do we look at day to day circumstances of our lives and see only what is past, and fail to see the promise of an approaching new season. I love to find a hint of hope, and an unexpected ray of light, in what otherwise appears to be dark and discouraging circumstances.
Have you found unexpected hope or joy recently in what seemed like dark circumstances? I’d love to hear your experience.
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