A New Season of Joy!
I am awakened by an early morning orchestra of birds. This morning sounds like a celebration; it sounds like joy. This sound is a most precious announcement of the new spring season.
After a deep breath of fresh early-morning air, fragrant with the sweet aroma of blossoms in the garden, I go to the kitchen to prepare my morning tea. The scent of a beautiful handmade miniature bouquet of flowers, presented to me yesterday by my neighbor, celebrates the arrival of May Day.
The kettle whistles its alert and I prepare my cup of tea. I put on my wrap and quietly survey my garden. The melody of bright reds, golds, pinks purples and hues of blue and yellow frame the fresh green leaves of new growth on the bushes and trees making for a wonderful painting created for our enjoyment by our heavenly Father.
At the end of my stroll, I sit in one of my favorite places, sipping on my tea, cupped in my hands. I continued to listen to the beautifully orchestrated sounds of the birds as they dance (and sometimes race) through the garden. This is my time of refuge; to be present in the moment. I slowly look around and take in the depth of the bountiful spring garden. All of the plants, flowers and trees are standing with great strength and pride in what they have become after a deep winter slumber. I can almost hear them singing:
“Joy to the World! We are alive and welcoming in a new season!”
The garden provides yet another gifted learning moment. In life, we live through many seasons. The garden reminds us that there is always a fresh start ahead which gives one’s soul hope.
From the distance, I can hear the noise of the outside world awaken. At that moment, I am transported to one of my favorite memories of an early morning adventure with Rowland navigating dexterously through the peaceful pastures of the Sergenti to bring us the vibrant reds, pinks, purples and golds of sunrise dancing across the land. There, too, the peaceful sounds of birds fluttering through the tall willowing grass could be heard followed by the roar of lions and then the marching of wildabeest and zebras, as if every creature had its very own alarm clock.
As I began my stroll down the pathway back into my home, I stopped for a moment and heard Rowland’s voice, “We can find joy in everyday if we allow ourselves to be present in our surrounds and be surprised by the many gifts and treasures of life.”
And right before me was my first surprise gift of the day — the first glorious rose burst open in full bloom. As I ran to grab my clippers from my garden box to make a collection of blooms to take inside, I found myself giving thanks to God for Rowland again. It’s true, embracing joy through all seasons gives us hope to carry on…
I am always so excited about the newness and joy that comes with every spring season, especially this year, after what seemed like an extra-long solstice during this uncertain and historic time.
Thank you for the gift of Joy. And may all of friends and families in our Serengeti region be blessed and filled with joy for sharing their treasured gifts of life.
by Ssusan Forte O’Neill