Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Tag: Spring

  • June’s Arrival

    June’s Arrival

    The arrival of June was announced several days prior to June 1st.   Perhaps it was the excitement of this most happiest of  months that spurred the flowers to celebrate a few days earlier or maybe they just could not hold off any longer.

    The unmistakable fragrance of June seeped into the bedding drying on the clothsline and found its way into the mudroom perfuming our garden gloves and hanging raincoats.  It is a powerful elixir, causing one to stop dead in their tracks, distracted by its unexpected beauty wiping clear any former intentions.

    I stood transfixed in the driveway, forgetting why I had even ventured out.  It was as though a fog overtook me, a mix of Lilly of the Valley, Lilac, Crabapple blossoms, and Hyacinth aromas, combined to such a heavenly scent I stood, eyes shut,  smelling the air like a drunken fool. As British author, Beverley Nicols, writes, “To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat.” 

    May we all be defeated by this most rewarding fragrance, rendering us useless with its calming and satisfying effects and may we all pause to bask in all that June has to offer.

    Happy June Everyone,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Tina Sara/Unsplash

  • Tiny Trilliums

    Tiny Trilliums

    These past few days the trilliums have begun to take over the hillsides and sunny patches along the forest floor and beside the park trails.  These beauties are the cause of bottlenecks as folks stop to snap photos or simply to enjoy their elegance.  There is one notable difference in the trilliums this year, at least where I live, although perfect in every way they are much smaller then usual.

    Curious about these miniature trilliums I did some reading on the topic and learned that the cooler winds and near freezing evening temperatures are causing a stunted growth in many spring flowers this year.  This certainly would be true in my own backyard as the north wind blows off Georgian Bay causing myself and my neighbors to don wool sweaters while out in our gardens.

    As I stood in the late afternoon sun admiring the loveliness of a hillside covered in trilliums a certain respect for their tenacity began to take hold. Despite the cold winds, duller days and near freezing rainfall these little gems doggedly took root, fought to grow as tall as possible and proudly display their best efforts at blooming.  Could God be speaking to us all through these little flowers?  Is it possible that the great Creator notices the courage and determination found in a simple wildflower?

    Medieval Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas asserted that God is not just a being but Being itself, “present everywhere in everything,” not just confined to a supernatural heaven above but existing even in nature. If Aquinas is to be believed, then it is possible God not only notices these tiny trilliums but is cheering them on!

    Perhaps, they are the teachers, and we are the students; learning how to withstand the chilly winds of life. The lesson being: no matter what chilly breeze is blowing through our lives right now, we are to be like the trilliums and take root, stand tall and dare to show our beauty for all.  We may not always be at our best, but perhaps just the effort to grow and be present is enough.  The trilliums teach that we cannot let the chilly winds stop us from blooming exactly where we are planted.

    It is a marvelous thing to belong to a God so great that even small wildflowers are used to point us in the direction of a meaningful life. May we all be wise enough to pay attention!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by David M. Chambers/Unsplash

  • When The Cold Returns

    When The Cold Returns

    After having days of sunshine, warm spring temperatures and budding flowers winter has returned.  In a matter of one day we went from sundresses and shorts back to mittens and wooly toques.

    We could be discouraged by this return of cold gray days or we could be grateful for the week of warmth we enjoyed.  Often life brings us to moments of choice, moments when we stand at the cross roads of doubt or faith, hope or despair, gratitude or regret.  How we respond determines a lot on our situation.  There are times of despair and regret just as there are times of hope and gratitude.  How long we linger in each is entirely up to us.

    At first I was grumbling as I dug out warm socks and a sweater but realized these grumblings only left me feeling sad and discourage.  So, I decided to try a different outlook. I silently offered a prayer of gratitude for the morning spent sitting under the empty maple tree watching the birds, the first BBQ supper of the year and the evening when we reclined on the back deck admiring the stars.  What wonderful memories to warm these chillier days.

    Besides, we know these chilly days are numbered.  These are the days we enjoy our last bowl of chili or beef stew until autumn, the days that afford us time to switch out our winter clothes with the summer fair.  Each moment holds so much to cherish.  As Matt Haig writes, “We just have to close our eyes and savor the taste of the drink in front of us and listen to the song as it plays.” (Midnight Library).

    May you find reason to rejoice on these last dull days of the northern breeze trusting that warmer days are just around the corner.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

    Photo by Jack Blueberry/Unsplash

  • The Waiting Place

    The Waiting Place

    These late days of lent and early days of spring are known as the ‘in-between’ days or as Dr. Seuss dubbed them the “Waiting Place”.  This is a place in between what was and what will be.

    We are in the days when the calendar tells us spring has officially arrived and yet we wait for true spring weather; warm days filled with birdsong and blooming tulips.

      These are days after the snow shovels have been placed back in the garage but before we can get out the garden spades or lawn rakes, days of restlessly waiting. 

    We also are in the days of the Lenten journey; days of waiting to sing our hallelujahs.  

    We tend to busy ourselves in this ‘waiting place’ with mindless tasks. We call it spring cleaning when we empty all the kitchen cupboards and wipe them down, or we go through all the winter mittens, scarves and hats sorting them into piles.  These are unnecessary tasks invented to keep us busy during these waiting days.

    Instead we should simply pause and allow ourselves to be quiet before God.  This “waiting place” is ripe in opportunity to hush the constant racket and still our ever restless ambition long enough to sense the Divine presence in the air around us. 

    This is a time to put down the phone, turn off the TV or close the laptop. 

    Perhaps God has created this “Waiting Place” as an invitation to sit in awareness of God’s peace, healing and love.  I suspect this divine prompting is for our own good, a time to slow our pace and clear our spiritual vision; a practice that sharpens our ability to witness the divine dance that happens around us daily.

    May we all hold space this Holy Week to be quiet before God and may this be a time of deep renewal.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Serkan Goktay/Pexels

  • Spring Has Stepped Outside The Door!

    Spring Has Stepped Outside The Door!

    Spring has stepped outside the door! And, in spite of the persistent north wind and accumulating snow it dances defiantly to the rhythm of birdsong, celebrating the lengthening of daylight while leaving crocuses and snowdrops in its wake.

    Signs of spring’s frolicking can be seen everywhere: Canadian Geese loudly announcing their return, Robins and Red Winged Black Birds bringing splashes of red to the dull tree tops and pussy willows courageously standing tall in the cold breezes.

    Spring is the most optimistic season of the year. It heralds warmer days, bright sunshine and fields of colourful wildflowers during the fickle days of March.  As columnist, Doug Larson writes, “Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.”

    May everyone whistle a happy tune confident of spring’s stubborn tenacity.   

    Happy Spring Everyone,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel 

  • The Teachings of Spring

    The Teachings of Spring

    Photo by Oyster Haus/Pexels

    Spring is the season of new beginnings; a time when all the harshness and bitter cold of winter is forgiven.  This is a season that teaches the relevance of letting go of the past and embracing the gift of new life.

    The cold north wind slowly turns southward bringing with it seeds of growth and melodies of promises fulfilled.  These are the promises of newness but only for those who are brave enough to reach out with wide open hands, daring to let go of what has been ready to grasp the new thing about to happen.       

    It is the same in life; either we decide to let go of those things that hold us to the prickly past or we end up with a bitter winter chill deep in our souls.  It isn’t easy to let go, to forgive those moments of pain and move on.  As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”

    It takes strength to forgive and let go, but we do it for our own freedom.  This freedom leads to warm breezes, unexpected sunshine and moments of pure divine joy!  Spring doesn’t wait for winter to apologize, instead, with spunk and a bit of grit spring brings forth new life daily.

    Perhaps this is why spring is so adored.  It has the audacity to embrace life despite all the darkness of the world, not allowing the shadows to dim its light

    May we all embrace this divine light.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Blushing Green

    Blushing Green

    Photo by Atul Vinayak/Unsplash

    Despite the persistent north wind and the mornings of new snowfall, spring is quietly sneaking in. 

    First it was the Tamaracks who gave spring’s presence away followed by the Dogwood and just today the Lilac bushes were whispering it loudly as they too blushed shades of green.

    However, most of the trees have done a great job of hiding spring’s sneaky approach.  There are no buds, nor tiny leaves or signs of new growth.  Despite the date on the calendar they all seem to be contently snuggled in for a long winter’s nap.  

    Thankfully there have been other indications of spring’s arrival.  First there was the bear who wandered through my neighborhood last week.  With a winter size appetite it meandered through garbage bins and emptied bird feeders before disappearing back into the woods.  Second, the celebratory honking of Canadian Geese as they fly overhead, loudly announcing their safe return from warmer climates and third, is the ever more subtle return of the Rainbow Trout.  They quietly swim upstream adding flashes of colour with their iridescent vestments. And of course, one can’t forget the forbearers of warmer days, the busy Robins who are eagerly building their nests.

    Perhaps it is the beauty that I know lies ahead that makes me restless.  Wanting the flowers now, the warmth now and all the green to return immediately! Instead nature takes its time; challenging me to slow down and look carefully for every tiny sign of change.  Nature is a wonderful teacher of being patient and remaining observant.  As Lao Tzu wrote, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

    May we all slow down long enough to savor the reawakening of God’s creation and may it renew in us awe and wonderment.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel