Inviting the light early in the day

Monday morning cup of thoughts

Hellebores on our front porch. I had to crouch down low to photograph the flowers.

Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.

— Mary Oliver

Hellebores are beautiful plants, but their flowers tend to point toward the earth instead of the sky. One must crouch down to witness their splendor. The metaphor seems fitting this morning; we must work harder these days to find the beauty. 

With that in mind, I’m beginning the week with the gentle reminders from nature that there is always beauty surrounding me if I pay attention. Our garden shows the early signs of spring’s arrival twenty days away. Buds are forming in every corner of the yard. The peach tree delights with her soft pink petals. Our hellebores are in full bloom. I can still hear the sound of water flowing from the recent rains in the creek along the property. The sky is bright blue with a few scattered clouds remaining from yesterday’s storm.

The pandemonium has always been in the background. It’s just louder these days. A walk in nature serves as my noise-canceling headphones. 

I invite you to join me this week, starting the day with nature’s reminders to strengthen our reserve before we let the world in.