Caught Me by Surprise

Most mornings, before I start my classes, I walk around our block to get my blood flowing and to mentally prepare for the coming day. Earlier this week, as I circled back to the house, a flash of bright color caught my eye in our side yard. Much to my surprise, a single daffodil had arrived in all its glory. Even though I have experienced spring for over half a century, the emergence of the first flowers every year stirs my heart as if I had never seen this miracle before. I get lulled into believing that the cold gray of winter is permanent. So, when new life sprouts from the bleakness, it renews my soul once again.

Similarly, our lives often go through “seasons” as well. Sometimes we get in a pattern of life that drains the color from our days. We can get lost in discouragement, disappointment, or disillusionment. No one is exempt from these uncomfortable periods of time; they are a natural part of being human. However, we need to remember that on any given day, we can be surprised by something bright and beautiful. When we open ourselves to these new beginnings and opportunities, life can bloom again in unexpected and meaningful ways.