Spring always catches me somewhat unawares. The long, dreary, gray winters have a way of inducing seasonal amnesia and I tend to forget how gorgeous each year’s rebirth is. Maybe it was the length of winter this year, or maybe it was the way the frigidity lingered well into April, but the emerging blooms and buds seemed particularly vivid this year. The greens were greener. The pinks and purples were more pronounced.
Did you notice?
When daddy and I were doing some yard work and cutting down some fallen branches near the holly bush last week, I was present-minded enough to notice an agitated bird keeping a very watchful eye on us. After some careful inspection, I found a robin’s next buried in the holly bush. The nest held four perfect blue eggs; it held possibility and life.
If that was either of you, would you have slowed down enough to notice?
The air feels different now. Heavier. Warmer. Fragrant. We are on the cusp of heat; somewhere in the middle of refreshing and oppressive.
Have you noticed?
I tell you all of this because your world is faster than mine was at your age. Your world is instant gratification and over-scheduling. Your world is only being outside during organized sports or when traveling from car to building. I fear that in your world, people are losing their capacity for true, intimate connection. To each other. To the world around them. Everything in your world is pixelated and it seems if you can’t hold it in the palm of your hand where it buzzes, dings, and harbors someone’s 15 minutes of fame, it holds no value.
The world around you is so much richer than you realize. So much more beautiful and alive. So full of inspiration and possibility.
I hope you notice.
Love,
Mom
