Yay! Signs of Spring at last!

Although the weather has been up and down the past week, I've spotted a few welcoming signs that spring is finally on the way. Last Wednesday, I noticed the first two of my early spring iris blossoms smiling up at me...a wonderful, cheery sight to be sure! And today, several more little blossoms added more color to the garden. It won't be long before the tulips add their pop of red and yellow to the mix.

Over the weekend, just as St. Patrick's Day dawned, I noticed a second harbinger of spring, my sweet little shamrock plant waking up after a winter nap on the bottom shelf of a plant stand in the living room. It will be a month or more before any little white blossoms appear between the leaves, but I'm happy to see that my little plant has survived to see another spring, especially since I don't have a very good track record when it comes to house plants! I bought this plant exactly four years ago this month when I saw a display in the grocery store. It spends the warm months on my back deck, then winters over on that bottom shelf. My one and only long-term success with a house plant!

As I write about my little plant, I'm reminded of the legend surrounding St. Patrick of Ireland. According to tradition, he used the three leaves of the shamrock to teach his followers about the Trinity...God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So with this in mind, my little plant with its cheery green leaves is more than just another sign of spring. It is also a sign of our faith in God, our hope in His promise of salvation, and the love of His only Son who came to dwell among us over two thousand years ago.

When the sun rises on the first day of spring, may you be blessed with the gifts of faith, hope, and the love of the Lord.

Happy Spring!