Like most people in this part of the country, I found great joy in the appearance of spring. To see the new growth on these ancient trees never fails to amaze me.
Others reminded me that spring doesn't truly arrive until we have had an 'onion snow' and a 'sapling bender'. We had a light snow last weekend and our sapling bender has arrived today.
I am reminded that plants, like people, require hardening in order to grow stronger. Prior to taking houseplants outdoors for the summer, we take them out for short periods so that they can adjust to colder nights. As they flower and grow we remove the deadheads (spent flowertops) so that the resources such as water and nutrients can go to the parts that are still living and growing. The result of this is denser and more abundant flowertops.
We require hardships in our lives as well to make us stronger and more resilient to the difficult times in our lives. We need to remove our deadheads such as guilt and resentment so that our souls can flower more fully. It is easy to recognize those whose souls have been well-tended, their beauty inspires us and their strength carries them through the darkest of times.
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