Daffodils, Memories, and Rebirth…

Nothing screams “spring” to me more than sunny yellow daffodils. Although they aren’t the first flower of spring, they are one of the early contenders brave enough to reach for the sun’s anemic rays and dance in the wind.

Our daffodils have long since bloomed. (Picture shown here.) But some of our northern states are just now enjoying a splash of yellow in their gardens.

My father loved to garden—a trait I inherited. (The word “trait” is a misnomer, considering several of my friends call my love of gardening borderline obsession.) Growing up, in our yard the size of a postage stamp, my father’s garden yielded an abundance of spring flowers: tulips in every color, hyacinths with a scent so heavenly it would stop you in your tracks, and daffodils of every variety. I gave bouquets to my teachers. Neighbors received bunches of springtime delight. And there was always a vase filled with flowers on our dining room table. 

Although I have planted these spring favorites in the past, my efforts have failed to rival the number of flowers erupting from my father’s garden in the spring. 

But it’s not about the springtime flowers. Or the heavily scented bouquets. It’s about renewal. Rebirth. Spring is a symbol of God’s never ending love for us. 

This week we celebrate the blessed event of Easter. It’s not about the bunny, the egg hunts, or the flowers. It’s about Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection! He rose from His grave so we can be assured of an eternity with Him. 

All we have to do is give our heart and our lives to Jesus. Knowing about God or knowing about Jesus will NOT get us into heaven. But knowing them will.

My prayer is that whoever reads this blog will take His message, His hope of eternal life to heart.

God Bless you all and Happy Easter.

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Daffodil facts you may not know:

-    Daffodil is the common name for any plant that falls under the genus Narcissus. Others are jonquils, paper whites, and other flowers that have trumpet-shaped springtime blooms. There are at least 25 different species of daffs.

-    If you hear the term Lent Lilies—it is the English name for daffodils!

-    Daffodils could flower for anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on growing conditions.

-    They are a perennial bloomer, too! Let the plant rebuild its bulb and cut the leaves off only when they yellow.

-    Squirrels won't eat daffodils because they contain poisonous crystals.  Therefore, deer avoid them too. (Which makes them a good flower to plant if you have an abundance of those four-legged creatures, as I do.) On a side note: be careful to keep away from dogs for that very reason.

One daffodil is worth a thousand pleasures, but then one is too few.  William Wadsworth.