Early visitors

Small-version daffodils have a way of drawing our January gaze downwards, effectively grounding us.  Hardy and bright they re-appear unasked, to join their already-up, fragile sisters, the snowdrops.

The seasonal festivities of recent weeks have provided some escape from long dark days and nights which were even more so.  But now as the light begins to increase imperceptibly, we have to notice the miniature yellow flowers, impossibly breaking the hard, cold ground.

Their promise is trustworthy and soon we can begin to look for the brilliant, showy crocuses too –free gifts all.  Our downward gazing at the inhospitable-looking earth is not deceived.  We know that the ‘flúirse’ is coming, in all its green extravagance.

In her beautiful ‘Gestures of Morning Praise’, Joyce Rupp gives thanks, using all limbs.  In her fifth gesture, (Remembering to be kind to our planet Earth), she suggests reaching down and touching the earth, or floor, saying: “I touch the Earth with awe, reverence and gratitude.”

(Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary)