About four years ago, we moved out of the house that we had raised our son in and into a newer home about two miles away. Since then, it seems like once a year a package is delivered to the old house instead of our current one. Sunday was that day for 2020 and once I realized what had happened we drove over to catch it before the package could be returned. As we drove up, there were two teenagers working in the yard and one of the young men ran into the house to grab the box. As we waited outside at an appropriate distance, I looked at the courtyard in the front of the house and recollected all the joy we took in getting that space ready each Spring and the care we took to pick out the right plants, fountains, and assorted yard art.

The new homeowners have not been quite as diligent at maintaining the courtyard and the whole area is overgrown with bushes and assorted plants. However, right in the middle of the courtyard, I spotted a huge, overgrown rose bush. That rose bush had originated as a memorial gift from my former coworkers at the church after my brother passed away. By the time we moved, the rose bush was too big to transplant and I have always regretted that we could not take that symbol of his life with us. Seeing the rose bush flourishing and growing large and a bit out of control was soothing to my heart.

One of the elements of our new neighborhood is the proximity to Martin Nature Park. Three ponds connect and feed into a stream that connects with the park. As a result, we have a variety of fun critters that we see as we walk. Like many people, we are being intentional about getting out of the house most days and getting some exercise. There are usually a deer or two. Bunnies and squirrels abound and song birds fill the dusk and dawn with music. My current obsession is checking on the twelve goslings that four pairs of geese are raising around the water. Each morning, I count them and stand in awe at how they are growing. I love how the parents guide the babies away from danger and stand up for them against intruders. My healthy fear of geese has transitioned into an admiration of their parenting skills.

I hope you are finding a way to connect with nature during this weird Spring of 2020. Let me know what you are noticing as you are forced to slow down.