Spring Brings...

Spring brings nice weather, melting snow, and rising water. Soon the brown will be replaced by a lush green that welcomes back grill outs, fishing and lake excursions, and good old backyard sports.

Spring brings memories and feelings. I can remember when I was five years old and we had a field of wildflower out back that we loved to play in. Early on in the year, I would look out the window and ask my mom, “When are the flowers coming?” My mom always told me to be patient. Over the next few weeks, the rains washed away the last bits of mud and new shoots began to grow. Finally, after days of waiting, watching and wondering the first flowers popped up. I zipped up my little blue sweatshirt, stepped into my rain boots, and ran around the house to the field. I tromped through the field like I owned the place and was joined by a little yellow and black friend.


Spring brings bees. My little flying friend wanted to enjoy the flowers too. As I waved my little hands at him he decided to return a gift with his rear end on my left hand. Tears in my eyes, I ran back to the house and sobbing told my mom all about it. While I sat icing my hand, she explained that the bee drinks some sugar from the flower and the flower needs the bees too. After much encouragement from my mom, I cautiously returned to the field and ducked at a few flies remembering my hand. I picked some flowers, mainly the little purple violets. Clutching them in my little hand I proudly gave them to my mom who put them on our dinner table. She was very happy for my little gift and of course smothered me in a kiss which I immediately wiped off.

Looking back, there are a couple of ideas from my spring experience relevant today. I had to wait patiently for the final product of wildflowers. Many times we have to put in a lot of time, work and patience to get a final product. This should not discourage us as what we invest the most in often is the most worthwhile and valuable. I willing gave of my flowers away and we need to have the same feeling when we are giving of our time and talents. When we give flowers we are not expecting anything in return except to brighten someone’s day. When we give of ourselves, let’s have the same attitude of not expecting it to be replicated. Lastly, and the most painful lesson for a five year old is that we have to share. Sharing and giving enjoyment for others grows the joy in life.

Spring brings reminders of how we can grow, share and give!

Stationed by the Rising Sun,

Jason Troendle