There is one bright bloom on my orchard. Other buds along the stems promise more blooms to come, but for the moment this one holds solitary court within the house.
 
How brave, I think. To stand alone. To be first. To come forth while others wait. To burst into bloom not knowing if you will fade before any company arrives. To take that risk in order to respond fully to the call to life.
 
This is the risk for all of us now as we turn the corner into Holy Week. Will we hold steady regardless of who is or isn’t on the path with us? Will we open ourselves fully to all that is to come? Will we trust in God’s transforming love? Will we risk it all in order to respond to the call of the only one who offers true and everlasting life?

My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God;
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
Psalm 42:2