The first really warm days of spring—like yesterday and today—are such gifts. And this year especially so. Winter’s grip has felt especially tenacious. That’s probably why the warmth feels so good.
Signs of rebirth are all around right now and it really is amazing to witness. That’s probably why Earth Day is celebrated in April, when we are so aware of the rebirth of the earth.
Last Sunday there was a wonderful Earth Day Fair for families. There was everything from a book recycling station, to a chance to look at growing things under a microscope to bird houses made of recycled wood. And beyond those individual stations there was a just such a festive atmosphere.
When it comes to Earth Day there is so much that would have us move out of a place of fear. And that fear, that sense of crisis is real. We should be worried. But I was also reminded last Sunday at the earth fair that moving out of that place of gratitude and joy is also so very important. That if we are to sustain ourselves for the longer haul of climate justice and change we have to first keep ourselves sustained. We have to first recognize the many blessings in our lives.
In the spirit, I want to share a poem that I recently rediscovered. It is by David Budbill, entitled “The First Green of Spring.”
Out walking in the swamp picking cowslip, marsh marigold,
this sweet first green of spring. Now sautéed in a pan melting
to a deeper green than ever they were alive, this green, this life,
harbinger of things to come. Now we sit at the table munching
on this message from the dawn which says we and the world
are alive again today, and this is the world’s birthday. And
even though we know we are growing old, we are dying, we
will never be young again, we also know we’re still right here
now, today, and, my oh my! don’t these greens taste good.
Blessings this Spring.
Tom
Rev. Thomas Disrud he/him
Associate Minister
First Unitarian Church of Portland