Blossoming Joy

Flowers grow toward the light,
rooted in dark soil.
This journey of becoming involves hanging on,
growing through the storms and droughts
of different seasons.
In the face of continual change,
flowers take their shape.
When they are ready, they blossom,
releasing their beautiful scent
from the inside out.
Receiving from light that is accessible to us all,
flowers open up to share their fragrance
freely throughout the earth.
As their fragrance spreads,
hummingbirds are drawn in,
accepting their invitation to share
in the joy of life.

–
As we share our own fragrances,
shaped by the seasons of our own journeys,
we open up the possibility for life-giving
connection with those around us.
My hope is that we might find each other,
just as the sun and flowers and hummingbirds
naturally do, to connect and contribute to
a world of blossoming joy.

2025

From Dawn to Blossom

One morning, after the passing of a harsh, relentless winter
I discover flowers blooming in the melting snow.

Glowing in this snow, a green leaf –
colorful petals, all a part of the choir
whose music I now hear.

What mysterious wonder is this?

Enduring the cold and severe earth,
the splendor of their blossoms.

What is the source of their strength?

Despite the impossibility of life, these flowers bloom
and bloom again.

Gazing upon these beautiful creatures
I celebrate their quiet triumph over adversity.

One by one I see the faces of pure, vibrant people,
inspired by their transformation.

I, too, am one of them.

2015