lilac lesson 107/366

March 29 I began my annual 
"watch the lilac bushes bloom" party
this year it's a bit more exciting 

April 3
even just a couple of days 
makes a difference

April 5, 

not much difference in the group picture,

but a closer look at an individual...











April 7 
almost completely open

and I didn't get an overview because I got distracted...

look, below, there on the left-

new blooms just beginning-

the photo on the right is a close up of another bloom,

one that is about halfway between the two extremes

this is when "the lilac lesson" began in earnest
every day I look at the lilacs
keep track of their progress
enjoy their fresh, unique scent
knowing this is a gift for a season

April 11

today, April 16

this week I noticed
next years growth
has already started
it is the tall "shoots"
with no flowers
and  soon
I'll have to prune them
that way
when it's time,
I'll get to watch it
all unfold again

and everyday I remember
we are not all on the same track
there are no "early bloomers"
there are no "normal" bloomers
there are no "late bloomers"

we are all on our own, 
well, God's own, timetable for us
to experience growth
to practice rest
to dare to be fully who He created us to be

I want to celebrate where others are
I want to rejoice in where I am 
I want to appreciate each life stage

is it easy?
no,
especially when I get distracted 
looking at where "everyone else" is in their journey
but when I concentrate on where God has me-
it's a sweet, beautiful place to be
and the season to celebrate lasts longer