The Wisteria is Out
By Lee Parker
Have you seen it? Have you noticed? The wisteria is out. I saw some just the other day, beautiful cascading ripples of lavender and white. Like grapes, the wisteria rippled in the air, its sweet scent singing of the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It seemed to be saying, "Now is the time of renewal. Now is the time of hope. Now is the time to reawaken the spirit of newness that has been hibernating in our hearts."
It has been a long winter and, for some, winter still persists. We have endured the early darkness of the days and the long winter nights. Our reward is seeing the trees renew their coats of green leaves and the flowers as they dance to the songs the of mocking birds. The new-born lambs are frolicking in the green pastures and the calves are following their mothers, always looking for a free dinner. It is a glorious time to be alive.
It is also time for us to renew our spirit for freedom. Like the winter, I have felt lethargic, dark and dismal when it comes to freedom. I have seen those who would call themselves "Patriots" misrepresent themselves and cause great harm to Truth and Justice. I have had those who say they speak the truth lie, cheat and steal so they can have a little more lucre to fill their pockets.
Sometimes I just want to sit down and cry because of the pain I have felt. Those who have misrepresented themselves have hurt me, my country and themselves. My pain disappears with the winter snow but their pain is eternal.
Whenever anyone dishonors himself by misrepresenting who he is, he damages himself. Oh, he might think he are hurting me and he might make the path to freedom a little more treacherous, but the real damage is done to his own soul. Their darkness sticks to his heart as he lives in the perpetual darkness of winter without hope of spring.
Now as I watch the wisteria and enjoy the warmth of the spring sun, I remember those who live their lives in darkness and I cry for their souls. Even though they have tried to hurt me, at least the sun shines in my heart and my soul sings the song of freedom and joy. Please come and join me in welcoming Spring. Walk in the sunshine and celebrate the joy of renewal. Then, take that renewal and lets those who have hurt us reap the rewards they richly deserve. They have hurt themselves more then they have hurt us for they will never have the sun shine in their hearts as long as they violate you, me and our country.
