March and April always bring Easter at some point to our world. Some celebrate, some don’t. To me, it always elicits memories of Mrs. Mikita’s third grade classroom in Elmhurst, IL. She had tulip decorations throughout the classroom, on the bulletin boards, on the blackboards, on the windows. The bright colored flowers, and the bright Easter eggs meant that spring was here, Easter was coming, and snow would eventually be melting and leaving. (Although sometimes to return at least once more!) But it was rebirth, joy, new life, and joyful times ahead. And for those following Christian tradition, that is exactly what Easter brings – rebirth, new life possible, and joy that knew no previous bounds.
And yet, we can still feel fear deep within us, as though our flowers within are not blooming. We know this through the recent series of articles on depression we have been posting. Yet, this is a time to reach up to our Higher Power – God or Yahweh. A time to reach in – to our own hearts and minds as well as out to others to ask and embrace forgiveness. To speak our fears and accept the love and support offered by a safe and supportive friend, partner, priest, or other. And to reach into our hearts and see what our Higher Power is offering, and then to accept what we are given in the way of support, forgiveness, and love. All of this will allow us to blossom. As John O’Donohue summarized this:
This Easter Sunday I wish for you the bulbs planted last fall in your heart, possibly without your even knowing it…
Blossom into a full and beautiful tulip garden.
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