Winterspring

March 19, 2019
Beloved:

      A bumper day in the henhouse yesterday, 17 eggs plus this rarity!   Weighing 123 grams (a quarter pounder!), and carrying twin yolks inside, ordinary large eggs (70 grams) look tiny next to it.  I can’t help but think that hen is still sore this morning but we are grateful for her labor, which we added to our supper last night. ​

    Other signs of spring:

• Scout, legs in the air, scratching her back in my daffodil patch.  I am less delighted than her;
• Buds on the lilac bushes;
• Surprise lily blades are through the dirt;
• I see red-winged blackbirds by the highway almost every day;
• It’s still daylight well after 7 pm;
• I feel the itch to plant something;
• Little 500 bikers are training on Bethel Road.

    Signs that winter lingers:

• The ground was frosty again this morning;
• No sign yet that my lavender survived;
• I can still see the junkyard through the woods out back;
• Flannel sheets still feel cozy when I go to bed;
• Little 500 bikers are bundled up like downhill skiers.

    The season has no name I know of, but I love it all the same.  Winterspring.  Cold and warm.  Not quite thawed and about to bloom.  Being patient with what is and excited for what comes next.  Not missing the end or the beginning of things happening together.  Being present in the moment, one moment at time.  Only when I am present am I also truly grateful.  Grateful for the best of it and patient with the rest.  Because all of it is passing, even as I watch.  The moment lasts less than a moment, unless I pay attention.  May the day treat you and yours kindly.

~ peace & prayers,
pastor annette