Tiny Sign of Renewal

I live in an area near Lake Erie where we have some terrible winter days. Having lived in this area all my life, it seems that most of us here just take the bad weather in stride. We hole up for months with just the ability to look out the window and wish for a sign of sunshine and spring. We go about our life as if being covered in white stuff is a normal way to live.

Every year as I walk my dog, at the end of winter, I see the earth coming back into a world of new life. The trees start showing tiny buds that seem to flourish over night into wondrous adult leaves. As I watch for the first robin, or rabbit who ventures by I also look for my little friend.

It never fails to amaze me, as I spot it again. I receive great joy in welcoming it back for another year! It is a tiny purple crocus that someone planted long ago in my yard. All of the other flowers like my friend have died long ago. Right in the middle of my yard is this bright purple flower that opens it's arms to me every spring. It reaches out to the heavens, all alone, as if it is feeling Gods warm smile. It gives me great joy to see it again as it is always a notice to me that spring is really here.

When everyone around me is tired of winter, and whining about wanting spring, I tell them it really is just around the corner. I chuckle because I know my tiny friend, the purple crocus has lifted it's head to me and in it's glorious splendor, has announced that renewal is certainly here for all to see!