Cathedral of Blossoms

As the Bradford Pear trees that line the main street of our neighborhood come into full bloom, it looks like a cathedral. I think that every year, and for the few days that the white blossoms are profuse, I make a point to walk that section of the development several times a day. It is so glorious for such a short time; best to enjoy it fully for the brief time it is here.

Reminds me of the poem by A.E. Housman. This is a favorite of both my mom and me, and one of the few I have memorized.

A Shropshire Lad  2: Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

 

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

Is hung with bloom along the bough,

And stands about the woodland ride

Wearing white for Eastertide.

Now, of my threescore years and ten,

Twenty will not come again,

And take from seventy springs a score,

It only leaves me fifty more.

And since to look at things in bloom

Fifty springs are little room,

About the woodlands I will go

To see the cherry hung with snow.

As usual, the truth expressed in this poem, and in my desire to walk up and down that gorgeous street when the Bradford Pear trees are in bloom, reflects a spiritual truth. We are given by God but a short span of years. In that brief time, will we savor every moment, use the time well, and ultimately demonstrate an understanding of our purpose here on earth in the time we are given? The Creator placed us here, and ordained every day we would enjoy. Are we living each day in gratitude, and to His glory? Are we reminding others to look up at the cathedral of blossoms and remember the God who created such exquisite beauty? Seems to me, we should.
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Deuteronomy 6:12 

Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

1 Corinthians 11:2 

Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

Acts 20:35 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 11:24 

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Revelation 2:5 

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Deuteronomy 8:2 

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”