“Saturday, in the park, I think it was the Fourth of July” The words of the song by Chicago echoed in my head as I headed out for a Saturday walk in the English Garden in Munich, Germany. Except it wasn’t July…it was April. A bit windy, cool and cloudy…but another day I got to be out in nature.

As I walked along the trails, through the trees, along the stream and across the open fields, I noticed that Spring was starting to…well…spring forth. Back in Colorado, where I currently live, it is still very much winter. All is still brown…maybe white if snow is falling…drab.

I didn’t realize how much I had longed for Spring until I saw all the Forsythia in bloom. My heart came alive! It seemed to be everywhere, almost in defiance of the cooler, cloudier weather that still had it’s grip on the rest of the vegetation. Such a vibrant color for this dreary heart of mine.

As I wandered the park, I saw more signs of Spring. The grass was green, some of the trees had tiny buds trying to burst forth and the stream was flowing freely. As I mentioned, this winter has been a dreary time for me. The dark night of the soul, as I call it. As always nature is one of our best teachers on the path of life you and I are journeying on.

Three things popped into my head that correlate with Spring and where I am on my journey. Maybe you can relate.

• Spring is about new life. Life has been dormant for many months and now is ready to bring forth that which is new. I know in my own life there has been parts of me that have been dormant, maybe even for years, that is now beginning to come alive. What parts of your life have been dormant and you can tell are now starting to come alive?
• Springs is leaving the dead behind. Not everything come back to life. There are tree limbs, bushes and plants that did not survive the harsh winter and that is ok. As a result, the new parts will be even stronger. I know in my own life I’ve had to identify those parts of me that needed to be pruned/trimmed. Not easy, in fact, at times downright painful. But if I want the new parts to flourish, I have to remove that which is dead. Are there parts of your life that you have to prune/trim?
• Spring is about focusing on that which is new. I don’t think it is a coincidence that some of the first foliage to burst forth in Spring is also some of the most colorful. Think about it. Forsyth’s, Daffodils, Forget-me-nots, Tulips and Hyacinth have vibrant colors. I don’t think its an accident. In my own life I am learning to look at the beauty of all that is new in my life and allow it’s beauty to be my focus. What parts of your life do you need to focus on?

That walk in the English Garden was just what my heart and soul needed. It was great reminder that this season I have been in, is coming to an end and something new, beautiful is emerging…and that is what I want to focus on.

Something new is springing up in your life and mine…let’s not miss it!