Friday, April 8, 2011

Light From Darkness Comes





 I love my adopted second home.

Los Angeles has unique beauties. Tall palm trees sway against a background of snow-capped mountains, taking my breath away as I round a curve. Frequently, there is that rarified heavenly air: gentle, warm sun accompanied by a brisk, sprightly breeze. Summer in the sun, and fall in the shade. Delicious.

(View from church in LA)
Oh, and there are the cliffsides that swoop right down to the sea as you wind your way from Santa Monica to Malibu. Breathtaking views from high or low. Blindingly bright water sparkles on your left, boats bobbing; craggy cliffs loom over you on the right, houses hanging by a thread as they lean towards the sea.

Unique.

But.

(ahem.)

There is nothing on earth like a Southern spring.

For me, specifically a Georgia spring.

I have been driving around this fairyland, wondering how in the world anyone could remain an atheist in such screamingly overt glory? They must be tough birds. Way tougher than me.

A Georgia spring does me in. Brings me to my knees. Brings tears to my eyes.

Every single time.

It is a Technicolor miracle taking place right before our eyes.

If we'll open them to see it.

To notice.


How does life come back from death every single year?

Light come back from darkness?

Fecundity from barrenness?

Joy from mourning?

Hope from despair?


It was a long, hard winter.


But joy comes in the morning.

Spring life comes from winter’s death.

A reminder that we are being renewed every day, just as the earth is every year.


I don’t take things like spring for granted anymore. 

I hope I never will again.

I am trying to pay more attention. Get out there in it.

(Thumbing my nose at pollen allergies.)


And rejoice.

And thank.

And praise.


And fall in love all over again.

***************

Here's another one of Mimi's scrapbooks, celebrating spring. (With a large dose of "Grandma's Brag Book" thrown in.) If you're bored at work, feel free to share our family's photos. But please be kind. I don't claim to be a real photographer.


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(You need to hit "esc" at the end. If the music bugs you, just hit "mute.")

14 comments:

Laurel said...

PRETTY! I love the picture of Katherine getting a big ole smooch from James.

I always thing the dogwoods look like giant sprigs of baby's breath dressing the woods for a bridal dryad. It is absolutely the prettiest time here, when the azaleas and dogwoods bloom but nearly everything else is still bare. More than compensates for the immoderate consumption of antihistamines.

Desiree said...

Future Plumber of America & the sweet great uncle holding on to little Jamesie's shirt cracked me up! I love spring--glad you guys are doing well!

*I always read your posts, but I am having a great deal of difficulty being allowed to post comments the way that I always have--just wanted you to know that I am still following you and have wanted to comment lots more than I have!

Kim said...

Laurel,

amen.

(There's always July for us!)

I'll be in touch.

Desiree,

So glad to hear from you! What's happening when you try to comment?? Sorry you are having trouble. Thank you for not giving up on us.

Love, Kim

Lisa said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

On every level.

Thank you so much for sharing your family times with us.

Bless you, and all your family.

Anonymous said...

I think you ARE a photographer, after all.

It's all in the noticing.

Thanks for being vulnerable enough to share your private moments.

Peggy Dabbs said...

Thank you so much, Kim. Since, I am an Alabama girl, I know about the breathtaking springs! They are amazing, and give you hope.

I always enjoy seeing precious James!

Love to you,
Peggy

Beverly Varnado said...

So precious, Kim. That teacher is a very favorite of ours as well. And I'm with you on Spring in Georgia.

McCance said...

Sweet pics, Kim. James--and Valerie are such muffins.

Anonymous said...

You don't have to believe in "God" to appreciate the beauty of nature :) Us atheists appreciate it just as much, I assure you!

Kim said...

Hey, Anon!

That's good to know.

Question: Are you the same Anon who commented on the March 11 post?

If so, I'm honored that you're still reading, and hope you saw the response that I wrote under your comment that day.

It helps if Anonymous posters give themselves an initial or something for continuity of communication.

Thanks so much,
Kim

p.s. I appreciate your open-mindedness in reading the words of someone coming from a different place theologically.

Gwen said...

Hi Kim!

No, I went back and looked at that post, it was not me. I think yesterday was the first time I ever posted, but I still went back to double check just in case I had a memory lapse :)

I've been reading your blog for a awhile, brought here from your daughter's blog, after seeing her story on CNN. I really enjoy your blog, despite our theological differences :)

I always enjoy expanding my awareness, and I try not to discriminate when confronting someone whose beliefs are so very different from my own. I believe, when it comes down to it, we are all human, all essentially the same. We may ascribe to a different set of beliefs, but we all face similar trials and tribulations as people here on Earth, getting by the best way that we can, making sense of it all the best way we know how. Everyone does that differently. I do not think there is a wrong or right way of doing it, as long the basic rights of others are not forfeited in that process.

Even though we ascribe to different beliefs, I think you have handled the situation that life has dealt you with tremendous strength and grace, and I very much admire your humility and perseverance, as well as your willingness to share both your triumphs and tribulations with the world.

Kim said...

Gwen,

Thanks so much for your kind words.

That is awesome that you found us through the CNN interview!

You are so welcome here. Thanks for writing.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing your pictures Kim! Chicago is still far from spring, so your pictures are truly appreciated!

P.S. Jame's little toosh in "Future Plumber of America" just made my day..haha.

ashli said...

How beautiful is your spring? Breath-taking really! Thanks so much for sharing with those of us who are still getting snow!
I love your insight and thoughts and the outlook you take on life! It's never easy but the way you seem to handle the trials placed in your path is an example worth reading. Thanks!