Reflections on a Cold Spring Day

Today is 48 degrees, cloudy and windy.  The sun shines only when the wind blows the clouds out of the way and only for a moment, so from the inside it looks like a dreary day.  I went outside anyway to plant the three shrubs that I picked up so far from the garden centers.
I start by mixing a couple different types of compost in the wheel barrow.  Then I attempt to wrangle the bale of peat moss.  This proves difficult.  So I finally find the tarp my husband has absconded with and dump the bale out and break it up into chunks.  Then I mix it in with the compost.  The whole task always seems so laborious and annoying.  Making a mess before I even get to planting.
So next you would find me outside with a tape measure carefully measuring the area where I want to put my plants. Placing the shrub, I step back and take a look.  No a little to the left.  It has to be perfect because I am known a year later to dig up said plant and move it one foot if it does not seem right.  OCD gardening.  I dig my holes and plant my shrubs adding my mixture to the holes.

Mugo Pine I planted today.

At the moment my last shrub is in the ground the clouds part, the sun shines and the wind blows.  I stand up straight and take a deep breath.  This is the moment I love.  I feel Heavenly Father's love in those moments.  I know He creates those moments just for me.  I truly feel all alive.
I sat down on the garden path and soak in the sun. All the birds are either chirping, squawking or singing.  My cat is chewing crazily on a plant; some cat nip that has sprouted in a new spot. I close my eyes and thank Heavenly Father.  I also pray for some of my loved ones that are dealing with a loss of a loved one.  I dedicate this moment to them.  Life all around me, life and death, everything in a continual circle.

Lichen on a stump, yes I have stumps in my garden.

Sedum hiding in the leaves.

I think that is why in Springtime I feel alive again.  Each little plant that pokes through the ground is a miracle and they sprout other miracles.  I love to get down on my knees and clear away the leaves and pull the weeds.  You have to get up close to really enjoy the splendor.