Spring...or is it??

In Chicago we've had a burst of good weather, but I was all too soon disappointed when the cold weather started creeping in on us again. It's ok though. At least we don't have to worry about global warming. I had a chance to check out our world reknown Botanic Gardens during this past glorious Sunday. It was beautiful. As I saw the plants peeking through the soil with much life in them, I was astonished to see their strength. To see the little buds awakening from a deep slumber of winter gave me great motivation.

All winter I have been like these buds and leaves, hiding away in the depth of the soil, recuperating my strength. At the very first sign of warmth, I'm about to bud. I hope that the strong chilly winds don't knock me down. I know I must gather more strength. I must soak in more energy from the sun. I need to prepare to grow more. I need to know what my current state is, who I am on a deeper level, and continue to press on. I peak my head through the soil. Oh is it hard to push through the soil that is heavy on top of me. I begin to see a ray of light as I was covered in darkness. Darkness that knew no satisfaction. Darkness that was like a suffocating abyss, with no sign of life nor gratitude for it. I push though and monumentally start budding. A huge sigh of relief comes because I have survived another winter. I'm elated because I did it. I was on the verge of death, but death eluded me. There is life in me. A new life worth celebrating.