the crocus

I have been hunting for the crocus in the back corner of my yard
every year they bravely push up through the soil
and are the first visible reminder that spring is on its way
next come the daffodils, jonquils and narcissus
followed by tulips
then the red buds, dogwoods, lilacs and finally azaleas
but this progressive spring show all starts with the crocus in my back yard

I don't know what happened to my crocus this year
as a matter of fact, I haven't seen any anywhere
I miss their statement of courage,
those thin green sprouts the first to push up through the dirt,
sometimes through the snow as well,
to bring us hope and a smile with their beautiful splash of color
their strength amazes me

today I walked the loop around the cemetery where Bill is buried
I wanted to check on the tombstone,
and walking the hill would add a little extra to my new exercise program
as I was heading down the hill I was surprised by joy

there amidst the headstones,

in a random place,

was a single crocus blooming.

the beautiful sign of life
I have been searching for for weeks,
in a place I never would have thought to find it

I counted it a reminder to not limit God.

He seems to delight in providing wonderful gifts,

in unexpected ways, when and where I least expect them.

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights, 

with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." 

James 1:16-17