“She turned to the sunlight, shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbor: ‘Winter is dead.’” ― A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young, 1924
Hope. I have hope now. The weather is still crazy, yet I see hope in those daffodils coming up in the face of all adversity. We are at a turning point — in weather and in our lives. The pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways. I have hope we can now turn back to a more normal life.
Wake up! It’s time to wake up. Finally, the calendar has progressed into March. Spring is getting closer with each day. While there will be legendary winter cold snaps with several cold, ugly and rainy days to come, the inevitable has already occurred and we say goodbye to winter for, at least, the next seven months.
Spring is my favorite season of the year. Everything comes back to life and the birds start to sing. In two weeks, the time finally does its annual “Spring Forward,” and we move past Daylight Savings Time, which, in itself, is welcome with more daylight in the afternoon. Sunshine makes me happy, so I’m naturally happier when I can bask in the warm sun on my face, even for a few minutes a day. I feel better; I’m more alive. Sunshine brings us back, and we awaken to all the new possibilities that come with a new springtime.
Last night, I was able to attend a party with friends not seen in so many years. I met new friends. It was a marker as we felt safe to gather once more. There was lots of food and a live band. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d heard live music. I realized how much I missed live music, laughing with friends that I’ve known 30 years, telling old stories, meeting new people, making new stories and there was dancing! For the first moment, I felt like the pandemic could no longer hold us back — at last, we have hope!
Spring is the season of hope; it is a new beginning. I begin to imagine seeds (hope) becoming plants, the plants become full and lush with flowers and vegetables. I imagine all the projects I can accomplish (hope). I imagine summer days in the yard (hope) with food on the grill. I imagine spending time with family and friends (hope) outside on the deck or patio. Will I accomplish all I imagine? While it is not in the accomplishment, it is in the hope of awakened spirit for these dreams. My hope is alive!
And so, my friends and readers, I embrace the scripture, Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”. Love God and love every person. Amen
Contact Dr. Angelia S. Bryant, certified and licensed counselor, at angelia.s.bryant@gmail.com
