March 20/21 Spring

During late March Spring is supposed to appear at least tentatively. Officially, March 21 is the first day of spring, but it just could be that, on this date, the great March Winds are blowing and sighing around the house and snow is in the air. Actually, long experience indicates that spring comes when it comes and only then.

Crocuses are usually up by late Match. On our place, we have planted them around the base of our huge and ancient maples as well as along the driveways. They are optimistic, as flowers go, for they will push up from the ground in what seems a most inauspicious climate, and, if the cold is as sometimes occurs, more January-like, they hand their heads disconsolately. But, at the first opportunity, they are sprightly again and add great charm to springtime over the several weeks that they are in bloom.

I Then along come hyacinths, jonquils, and daffodils. I like them because they are not only optimistic that spring has really come hut they also reveal an indomitability humans might well emulate.

One spring, all was bright and beautiful. The balmy air, so definitely associated with springlike days, was softly engaging. The flowers exuded the confidence that finally they had it made. Spring was here at last, But, during an April night, someone must have gotten the calendar mixed up. There was a throwback to the wild and gusty winds of March. Then the snow began falling thick and fast. Big winter flakes they were and, when chilly morning came, a real winter snow lay six inches deep upon the ground, including the flower beds. The hyacinths stood pretty straight, considering the weight of the snow, but the jonquils and daffodils bent over as if it was all too much for them.

But, having lived through many a springtime in our part of the country, we were not too much concerned. And, sure enough, the next day came a warm wind, the snow melted and, behold, the flowers perked up, took a wondering look around, then stood tall and straight and went about their business of blooming and being beautiful. All of which was a reminder of the rebound quality built into nature. l wonder if it is not also built into human nature. Perhaps one function of flowers and trees is to remind us that we, too, have a comeback quality.

I've seen trees devastated by winter storms—branches broken and hurled to the ground, tops apparently ruined. Then comes spring with God’s healing touch; a multitude of leaves hides the hurt and, after a couple of springtimes, it is hard to find the damage, so great is a tree’s repair power. Similarly, people are hurt. Some never recover but perhaps most do for they, like the trees, have an astounding ability to repair their hurts. They do, after all, have the

same Healer.