From the Gray of COVID to Spring Beauty and Summer Growth

The year of distraction is almost over. I can’t say that I have been happy to live a distracted life. One of my mottoes, truly tested this year, is ‘ Blessed are those who are flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”

I felt contorted this past year. More like a pretzel than flatbread. The newly minted word – COVID – has just been around a year. In that year, the word has been packed with all sorts of meanings.

One aspect of the description of COVID relates to the sharp and instant need for pinpoint focus. The media quickly shuttled aside everyday life issues to promote awareness of COVID. Local shops, struck by supply line shortages and increasing prices, spent more time finding and supplying what people needed. Local events and churches awaited unexpected regulations to the detriment of a life rhythm that provided breathing room and rest.

And then one day, I stepped outside – literally!

Plants were arising from the ground. New life was evident. The old was being shed for a new crop of beauty. Our perennials peeked out. Weeds settled in nooks and crannies. Showers of rain brightened the day.

The color of living growth reminded me that the gray of the deadly COVID cannot overtake the beauty of the earth.

One day the fields were bare. The next the sprouts were arising. And now summer is here.

The stalks of the plants are lengthening. Flowers are turning into seed-bearing capsules. Soon the hue will turn from green to golden.

Plants will not remain those same small shoots of Spring. In Summer they will thrive and grow. And in the Fall, we’ll harvest a season of joy.

And I thought to myself, what a wonderful world.

COVID’s gray is dissipating. Spring’s hopeful blossoms of new life are turning to the full fruit of summer splendor.

And I’m glad!!