I always love spring. Even after a fairly mild winter like the one we had in the Twin Cities this year, there is something wonderful about walking outside and seeing the daffodils, tulips and other flowers emerge and observing leaves where there were bare branches some weeks ago.
The other day I got an e-mail from the Writer’s Almanac that contained this excerpt from Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl that resonated deeply with me. Anne wrote:
“As long as this exists,” I thought, “and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts, I cannot be unhappy.” The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.
Sure, you an look out the window and see the flowers and leaves on the trees. (My prayer space looks out and gives me a wonderful view of our backyard.) But it is not quite the same. What you really want to do is spend some time outside. Be alone with nature. Walk amidst the beauty of nature. Seeing. Hearing. Smelling. Let God’s creation, the “simple beauty of nature,” bring you comfort and solace.
P.S. Depending on where you are, it may or may not be raining today. A little rain never hurt anyone so go out anyway. (If it is really storming, well, OK – you can marvel at the rain from inside and go outside tomorrow.)
Creo en Dios! 