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Sneak peek of spring
Friday, April 25, 2025
12:55PM · Toronto, ON
Having just returned from a trip to Europe, I came to the realization that among all the dissimilarity between here and there - the better urbanism, walkable streets, better trains (contestable because I still love the GO train), better food (also contestable but I ate pre-packaged sandwiches from Albert Heijn for half my meals) - he starkest difference for me was the amount of greenery.
It was a subtle thing, but it’s been a long winter here in Toronto. The branches have been bare for a while, and so encountering the contrast in foliage was a welcome surprise. The vibrant colors of the flowers, the streets and canals teeming with life - this made the trip that much more enjoyable.
I got excited when I registered that this was just a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2-3 weeks. Prior to leaving, I didn’t see any green - upon returning, I started to actually pay attention and notice bits and pieces of spring popping up, flowers sprouting, buds ready to unfurl into new leaves.
This is something I’ve been taking for granted for the last 23 springs of my life. Typically the leaves and flowers just come, gradually, subtly, naturally. I don’t think much of it. Of course I’ve always loved seeing the sun and the temperature rising above 15 degrees, but those are more immediately tangible signs. I’ve never r appreciated nor looked expectantly for these other manifestations of the end of winter.
On Easter Sunday, the priest likened the resurrection to that first daffodil or tulip heralding the coming of spring (or to use St. Paul’s agragrian terms, “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep”) That foretaste of the future, teeming with life, is what Jesus presents to His disciples and to us through His risen body. Through Him, we get a glimpse of what the new heavens and new earth will be like, a beauty that far surpasses even the most majestic tree or vibrant flower.
I hope I can continue to look for the buds, the sprouts and the burgeoning blossoms in anticipation of spring. Everyday is a new day that we can start again, to spring out of the winter of our darkness and sin. But that truth feels even more poignant when new life fills the air.
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