“Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” ~ Alexander Pope
Good morning, dear friends. Mary Oliver tells us, ” It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world.” Her words are so true and notably so for the people of Ukraine. Oliver passed away in 2019, I would love to hear what she would say about our current world. However, hope moves us forward and to me, spring is the season of hope and renewal.
The following are the words of, Amanda Lea Browning.
” In the spring the earth renews itself once more
with flowers in the tallest wind-blown trees
to the mossy forest floor. Creeks thaw and gurgle
down babbling brooks. Bees busily buzz through large open fields
and tiny little nooks. Geese honk noisily for all to hear.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds magically appear.
Birds flirt with one another in the trees
Soon there will be chicks for them to feed.
Bright shining sun warms the chilly air
Fiery red tulips dazzle with flare. Sweet is the fragrance
of lilacs and honey-locust trees. Hyacinths and honeysuckle
are sure to please. Frogs sing happily in a faraway lake.
Insects hum and groundhogs wake. Winter is over so we cheer!
Hearts rejoice that spring is finally here!”
“Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly.” ~
As I was writing this post I thought, “How easy it is for me to talk about hope.” Sitting in our sweet home, the sky is blue and the daffodils are blooming. Anyone could speak about hope under such circumstances. Mike and I, as well as most of you, are fortunate in today’s world.
As in any life, I have seen my share of dark days, but hope has always kept me afloat. And may it also keep the Ukrainians afloat. I pray this gruesome war will soon come to an end and the Ukrainian people will not lose sight of their dreams for themselves and their children. Dreams are precious, especially those a parent has for their child.
While my first prayer is for Ukraine and its people. My other prayer is for the remainder of the world. I have read many times in different publications, that after World War II it was said, “Never, Never, Again.” When will we learn? Perhaps, it is because I have read so much about WW II, Hitler, and his friends, that honestly, I can say, “I saw this coming.” And, I know I am not alone. But the difference this time is, we all are aware of what is happening and we cannot say we didn’t know.
If there is any good to come from this, I believe it is to be our wake-up call. A call to bond us together, to scatter joy and beauty, stand up to hate and horrid remarks, and name them for what they are. Just as the Ukrainian people are doing ~ what an inspiration and example they are to the world. They do understand, that if you don’t deal with evil when it is knocking on your door, it will chase you forever.
“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” ~
“. . .Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” ~
The Carpathians in Ukraine
For those who have neven been to West Virginia, the photo above looks very much like our Pendleton County. I can honestly tell you, anyone would have a dreadful fight on their hands should they try to take land away from anyone in Pendleton County. However, I rather imagine the same holds true all across our land. While we seem to have been separated lately, I do believe for the majority of Americans, the appreciation of our freedoms and respect for others who want the same is solid.
In closing, know I wish you and yours a beautiful day and a spring full of beauty, birdsong, and joy. And, while spring may go unnoticed by the Ukrainians this year, it will visit them again and hopefully in peace so that they may treasure the moments and enjoy.
Be Well!
“Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.” ~
Amour,
Sandra
Images: Tumblr and Pinterest
Hope Floats is a 1998 American drama film directed by Forest Whitaker.
The definition of hope by Chesterton above is certainly the case for Ukraine now. Over 10Mil are displaced. I’m not sure what the interior of their country looks like, but the metropolis areas are pure destruction. I see a wave of refugee intakes and adoptions as likely the best means of the next chapter – hope – for many. I pray the Light will overpower this Dark evil. Happy, Hopeful Spring, Sandra.
Good morning, Rita. I so agree with your words. The entire situation is pure madness and evil. I wouldn’t understand it if I lived to be 200. And, many of the Russian soldiers are walking away. Like you, ‘I pray the Light will overpower the Dark.”
They are predicting a dusting of snow for us this weekend. One has to love March.
Such beautiful quotes and pictures Sandra. West Virginia is a beautiful state. Like John Denver said, “Almost Heaven”. Praying everyday for the Ukrainians.
Thank you, Penny. Yes, I have always felt like WV is a little piece of heaven – I wish I could send its beauty to the Ukrainians.
Sandra, this is a beautiful and thoughtful post. My heart aches over the evil that has consumed our world. We have called good evil, and evil good. I pray for Ukraine as I sit comfortably this morning in my chair drinking coffee while they are living an unimaginable nightmare. Like Rita said, I pray that Light will overpower the Dark!
Good morning, Pam. This dreadful situation has cut deep into our very souls. We may go about our days, but the thoughts and images of the people are tied to our hearts. Lives that will never be the same, but my hope is they will emerge for this horror to see kindness and beauty flourish.
Sandra, this is the most beautifully written post and I thank you for it. My heart hurts more deeply than I thought it could. I, too, have studied WWII and the parallels are frightening. Perhaps it is good Mary Oliver cannot share in this collected grief, though her words would be powerful. We must keep hope for them. Help them as we can. I send you warm wishes of hope for spring, new beginnings and peace.
Good morning, Jeanie. Thank you so much for your kind words. I apologize for being late to comment, I just don’t seem to do anything as quickly as I once did. Truly, I believe this evil war has simply made our hearts hurt. At least it has mine. Oh, how I do hope for the Ukrainians, with hopes the war will soon end.
We are under snow this morning and it is really coming down. March has always been confused. Have a good weekend.
I love every post you do. I was traveling yesterday and out of town today. Thank you for the beautiful quotes and images.
I can’t remember if I told you our granddaughter who is now 17 was adopted 13 years ago from Zhytomyr, Ukraine. This has been hard for everyone. Our daughter and her husband were there for 7 weeks during the adoption process. They had a translator that they were fond of but have lost touch with anyone there.
Our prayers matter and we may never know how much. May God’s will be done. I pray for wisdom for all leaders.
Good morning, Bonnie. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment. You did tell me about your granddaughter. Does she have any memory of her former home? It is so wonderful that she has a loving family. There will be many more children who will need the same as a result of this evil war. Prayers do matter and I pray this evil war will soon come to an end.
Sandra, this is such a thoughtful and lovely post. It is so heartbreaking to see what is going on in Ukraine and our entire world. My heart just breaks. I will continue to pray everyday for those dear people and our world. I wish you a beautiful and blessed week ahead, dear friend.
Good morning, Shannon. Thank you and it is heartbreaking to see the evil in Ukraine and the world. I don’t know where it will end. Their lives will never be the same. I pray God will give them hope and courage to see this through. Have a lovely weekend, sweet friend.
It is so disturbing that humankind are ever prone to repeating the past. These past few years are truly a wake up call, Sandra. I pray along with Rita when she says, “I pray the Light will overpower this Dark evil.” Oh yes, please!
Thank you for sharing hope and beauty in the midst of these terrible times. xo
Good morning, Brenda. Your words are so true. I too, pray the Light will overcome the evil we see in our world. I thank you, my friend, for your kind words.
Have a lovely day and week ahead!