Something is Always Blooming

May 21, 2019

In late summer of last year, our family purchased a new home.  The people who owned it before us did an amazing job planning the landscape.  Not only is the property graced with a wide variety of perennials, the plants were chosen with timing in mind.  This spring has been like no other as it’s a chance for our family to watch one plant after another blossom.  First it was the daffodils, then the tulips, followed by lilacs and roses.  And now that the azalea bush is in full bloom, the red peonies are about to have their moment while the Rose of Sharon is getting herself in order.

There are moments when hope seems very distant, and I think that’s okay.  It’s something we need to call ourselves to be present to.  The winter, while distinctly beautiful, is a waiting time.  For our families and this work, there are many “winter” moments when we must remember the possibilities, what we are working toward, and that the Spirit of God is with us in the seeming stasis.  In these moments, we ground ourselves, we problem-solve, and we hold fast to our vision, because as a trauma-informed organization, we know that trauma healing and empowerment is not a linear process.  In fact, some would call it “seasonal.”1

But then there is the spring.  In this season of our work, it feels like something is always blooming.  This month, during one of our weekly staff meetings, Jane Ellen and I took a moment to recognize all the “blossoms” that are happening in our program.  A family is getting ready to graduate after a difficult journey, local sixth graders are looking to support the children in our program, we are celebrating donors, we are developing inter-agency connections, and engaging more churches, even as we are talking about how we need to become more expansive in our vision.  All of these things and more are the blossoms emerging, and we are so delighted.

This work requires careful tending.

We will savor this season, even if temporary.  We do know that your support and our gratitude are the ever-blooming constants.

Catherine Woodiwiss, A New Normal: Ten Things I’ve Learned About Trauma, sojo.net

Something is Always Blooming