Winter again transforms the green to gold-
Leaves hanging, weighted and weary
After another storm.
Yet roots hold steady through the years,
Deep in dark ground,
Intimately wound to their place of belonging.
Branches quiver with rain,
Bend with wind…

But what of the trellis?
Strong curling Wisteria wood woven in and through the openings-
Growth could not happen without the spaces for climbing.
She cannot thrive without support.
The structure allows her blossoms to be seen
In full glory as Spring arrives.
They would quietly mix with earth and disappear too soon
without the steady presence of the trellis.

This human life is rich with storm.
We weave together, one to another, to find our growing path
To steady ourselves and touch new heights – without breaking!
We find the open spaces, where the urging on of mysterious life forces
Can partner with us in our emerging and changing,
Allowing blossoming of each season to
Lead us towards radical transformations –
Unexpected, startling, terrifying AND rejuvenating all at once!

May we remember, in each moment, the tiny possibility of great things:
The seeds of quiet joy and uninhibited laughter, the tears of gratitude and grief, the breath and blessing
of being alive today, just as it is.
May we cultivate open space, ease and rest-
Alone and together,
For we could not grow without the presence of one another
In our infinite variety and exuberant color.