Saturday, February 19, 2011

All is miracle

"Late February days; and now, at last, 
Might you have thought that 
Winter's woe was past; 
So fair the sky was and so soft the air." 
- William Morris

February teases us this way, with warm sunshine, the sight of new buds on the trees and tips of green emerging from the ground.  Hellebores, crocuses, and daffodils begin to bloom.
Hellebore

Crocus   
Chestnut Oak
Tri-color Sedum
Winter hasn't passed, but we're reminded of the promise that Spring will come.
The garden calls.  
There's much work to be done - last season's dried stems and
foliage 
to be cut back, weeds to pull, birdhouses to clean.  





I answered the call of the garden today, and as always it was therapy.   
Now, at  the end of the day, I watch the sun set behind the trees and think about miracles.  
Since my brother was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this month, I've thought often about miracles.  I pray for the miracle of healing for him, I pray that "the real miracle. . . .to walk on earth" be his for years to come.  And I pray that I recognize and rejoice in the miracles of this earth - in every bud and leaf and bloom, in every touch and kind word, in every song, in every sunrise and sunset.  

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.--Thich Nhat Hanh

16 comments:

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Oh my goodness, how hopeful! Thanks for sharing those wonderful signs of spring.

Carol said...

Ginny, Where to begin. Beautiful post! I am so sorry about your brother and do so hope for the miracle of healing, combined with healthy intervention. Your bird houses offer hope to many birds and what a lovely collection you have. Somehow you have woven this post together so perfectly from a bit of Morris's winter woe . . . how fair and soft the air, the dear nodding Hellebore to the promise of new life with your nest boxes and then wise words of Thich Nhat Hanh. We take so much for granted . . . when all is, as you say, miraculous and there for us to see. A garden can be so healing and I am glad you have such a lovely one. I do so feel for you . . . sending a warm hug.

Rebecca said...

Carol's comment is written so well... As a nurse, I know that hope, prayer and family support are powerful. I pray that spring will be a time of recovery for your family.

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

You have a wonderful collection of bird houses and they are so nicely displayed around your garden. Love the signs of spring coming up in your garden!

b-a-g said...

Ginny - I am sure that everyone reading your post will be saying a prayer for your brother.

Donna said...

Ginny where to start...I send prayers and healing to your brother and you...both your blogs are special and touch my soul...such lovely thoughts that remind me daily to appreciate each day...thank you

Anonymous said...

What sweet birdhouses Ginny! They are adorable! And I will be praying for your brother as well...what a hard road to travel.

And Rutter is one of my favorites! Perfect garden music.

scottweberpdx said...

Very true...winter may still be with us a few more weeks...but these promises of spring are what gets us through!

Alistair said...

Hello Ginny, the miracle of Spring is also just beginning to show itself here also. So true is the miracles which you talk of, the same approach also applies in pursuing happiness. I hope that you soon see some improvement in your brother.

Cat said...

Oh Ginny this is such a heartfelt and warming post capturing so much of the spiritual aspect of gardening. Yes, there are miracles everywhere and we see them when we take the time. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful quote...also, I'm continuing to pray for healing for your brother. I spent my weekend tending the needs of my garden and it was glorious!! I love that tired, spent, productive, being a part of nature feeling!

Southern Lady said...

Praying for your brother, Ginny. Carla

Chloe m said...

I just feel invigorated thinking of all those tasks! I am so, so ready!

I liked your quotes. Very fitting.

Casa Mariposa said...

How very posiitve and true! Thanks for such an uplifting post. :o) I loved the last quote.

One said...

All is a miracle. I agree. I wish you, your brother and all family members well and happy. :)

Sue Catmint said...

dear ginny, i am so sorry about your brother and wish him all the best. like you i see the garden as therapy, healing for body and spirit. it's nearly autumn but i also am seeing green shoots appear and am happy and grateful to be here. cheers,cm

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