Welcome March
Happy March everyone! Finally, the warmth of change is in the air. The other morning, I walked outside to retrieve the newspaper at the end of my driveway. Enfolding my robe tight to stall the infusion of the early morning chill, I was unaware of everything but my tired fleece-lined slippers and the bite in the air. As is often the case, my observations pointed downward towards the dullness of my blacktop. But then, for some reason my gaze was drawn upward, and suddenly I was stopped in my tracks. There, painted across the early morning sky was a masterpiece of color also known as the sunrise. It looked as if the angels took broad brushes in celebration of a new day. Blues, violets, oranges, and sunbeams burst from the eastern sky. “It’s time to wake up!” the boldness seemed to scream. I heard it loud and clear. March is here which means Spring is soon to come.
A few months ago, I wrote about the coziness of winter and my desire to remain tucked amidst all things yummy. Most likely, winter hasn’t made her final curtain call, and we haven’t seen the last of the snow and freezing temperatures. Regardless, warmer breezes and snippets of nature’s reawakening are promised. Birds are singing boldly again from the trees and already scoping out the perfect spot for a nest (no doubt they will find my front door wreath again). You can sense the grass is thinking about new growth. There’s nothing like the delight of seeing the first purple bloom arise from the barren soil. Such tangible evidence of new life is promising. As we welcome March, the realm outside my kitchen window is beckoning.
March is about sifting through and beginning again. My husband’s ceremonial walks around the yard each year about this time take stock of winter’s remnants. Fallen branches need to be cleared. Deck stain may need a refresher coat. Shovels are replaced by rakes that make room for new seedlings. Soon, hyacinths will bud and the barren trees will begin to sway with tiny little buds. And best of all, the sun will continue to hang around a bit more each day. Next weekend we will reset our clocks to that daylight wins over darkness. The warming air calls us to all things new.
Change can often be intimidating, but Spring reminds us that transformation happens one leaf at a time. Find some color in your closet. Dust off your walking shoes. Keep your sunglasses handy and apply sunscreen. We have turned the corner leaving the prolonged intensity of this past winter behind us (hopefully). We can now look forward to gardens laced with crisp lettuces waiting for a dress of lemon juice and olive oil. Begonias and impatiens will line the outdoor garden centers once again. Walks around the neighborhood will offer the opportunity to reconnect with neighbors.
My mom used to say, “If Winter comes, Spring is never far behind.” She shared these words as a metaphor for people with troubled hearts. Her message was the same as that offered by the early morning sunrise that changed the trajectory of my very ordinary day. For some, including me, this winter has felt long. Perhaps that’s why my fleece lined slippers seem so tired. What I know for sure is that March will bring transformation and aliveness to the world beyond my window. Now it’s my job to pay attention to all the awe and wonder that awaits. March invites us all to the party nature has prepared. I’m grateful for the invitation.
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash