I spent some time walking around the annual flower show in Hartford at the end of last week - a welcome reprieve from this winter's excess of snow and ice. I stood long in front of exquisitely perfect gardens breathing in the scent of daffodils, tulips, azaleas, and lush grass turf. I  listened as waterfalls bubbled over rocks into quiet pools where orange koi fish swam slowly.

A live butterfly display with warming lamps encouraged so many varied colors, sizes, and shapes to flutter and fan their new wings while feasting hungrily on bright flower blossoms.  There were multiple displays of orchids and bonsai, seeds and bulbs, honey and syrup. After several hours I felt able to once again return to winter, knowing that spring will indeed return in its time.  I was reminded of poet Ann Weems who suggests that, "Lent is a time to take the time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us, a time to let the events get up and walk around in us, a time to intensify our living unto Christ... " ( from Kneeling in Jerusalem).

May you continue your walk this Lenten season.