Spring is Arriving!

… it gives me another opportunity to thank the Lord for His beauty in creation, As well as, to praise Him for His faithfulness to me as I pass from one season to another.

Spring is Arriving

Spring is arriving here in southern France after a very dry, yet cold several months. For you, what telltale signs alert you that spring is fast approaching? Growing up in New York, we would always look for that first robin on the lawn or the crocus buds peeking through the last of the snow to tell us that we can now let out a breath of relief.

Spring is arriving and soon it is going to be on full display!

Where we are living now in France the signs of spring are different. No longer do we look for the spring birds to call this next season into existence. Instead, it is the delicate blooms of the tall red poppy that announces the arrival that we’ve been waiting for.

At first look, I didn’t know what really was attracting me to these annual beauties. They do not differ in color or have any other unique differences to make one look twice. But maybe that’s the catch? Maybe it’s the joy of seeing this blanket of red poppies in front of me. There they are swaying in the bright green grasses, just red dots against the clear blue sky and yet, grasping my attention. Together they seem to be saying, “We made it! Winter is over and spring is on its way!”

From one faux pas to another…

This fascination with poppies actually began when we first arrived here in France.  I was so enthralled by this tiny delicate wonder that I really wanted to have one in my own tiny garden.

Personal insight: I love to find something for “free”  rather than actually having to pay for it.

So, I proceeded to look for just the right specimen in the fields nearby to call my own and bring it home!  

One day I took my bike, equipped with a tiny shovel and a bag to gather up my bright selection that I had found along a back road.  I dug carefully around the entire plant and gently placed it in the bag for safekeeping.  During the entire “gathering process” I was greeted by many stares from those who were passing by me. You could tell, without a word being spoken, that they were questioning my sanity! However, with determination in my heart, I decided to ignore the stares and instead focus on replanting my precious spring flower.  

Sheepish Grin

Days later I spoke with some of my French friends about my new found delight. Much to my chagrin, I was instructed a little more about these tiny little wonders of creation that encourage my spirit so much. They were not, in fact, what I had envisioned. They were instead viewed by the locals much like I would view a dandelion that would appear in my yard back home! What?!  

Now, I understood!

(I am sure many expats remember that lightbulb moment when they realized they had once again stepped confidently forward while living in another culture, only to be met by questioning stares!)

It all made sense now. I, who was being so careful and gentle with this delicate flower so as not to disturb it’s root system, was actually just transplanting the local weed! 

I laugh now just thinking of the whole escapade!

Spring will arrive

I can confidently say that I have learned my lesson in regards to the poppy. 

Sometimes the Lord only desires for me to gaze on the beauty of His creation, instead of trying to replicate it somewhere else.  It was never meant to be duplicated. But, it gives me another opportunity to thank the Lord for His beauty in creation, as well as, to praise Him for His faithfulness to me as I pass from one season to another.

Winter will disappear … spring will arrive and all the beauty that comes with it. 

The poppy no longer draws my heart to want to grasp it, but instead to glorify the Maker of it!