April: On Nature
April 20
Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from a book near and dear to me because . . . it was written by me: Lux: From the Kingdom of Darkness.
At this time of year, the Viola Sororia, also known as the common blue violet, stand humbly in the shade of the trees on either edge of the creek. They sit quietly on the side of the house and shed displaying their blue-purple flowers and green heart-shaped leaves for any who wander into the shadow seeking mystery or reprieve from the sun and heat.
They’re small flowers, but beautiful and strong, and no matter the heat of the summer or cold of winter, they’ll find a way back—every year, never looking to steal the show in spring against the daffodils, irises, and tulips, and never looking to out compete the zinnias and cosmos and dahlias and sunflowers of summer. They are cheerful and fulfilled it would seem, satisfied with their lot in life, their place in the world. They do not ask to be moved into the sun or to be watered on the 90 degree days. They take the wind and the rain and the sun as it comes, and they are happy.
When they first come up in the spring, I stop, crouch down, and take a moment to look at them. And then I thank them for teaching me so much.
