Blossom Party Time

May 2013

I love May! But lest we forget, this is also a time of sports, recitals, school awards and so much more for our children. The busy only increases as parents juggle schedules, work, and meal times.

Today I remind myself that unless I look closely I won't see the quiet beauty of the Wood Lilies. Daintily dressed in wedding white they sit on the hillside just beyond the walking path. I have to make an effort to find them. In a comparable way, it's easy for grown ups to miss seeing some really important growth; to overlook applauding those bright new blossoms in our children's lives. Slow down just a little. Recognize individual progress (not limiting the list to academics or sports; character growth counts, too) that has emerged since the school year began last fall. 

This month's suggestion is for you to begin a new tradition. A "Blossom" party doesn't limit Spring blossoms to the outdoors. Spring happens in lives, too. A "Blossom" party is easy and can bless the family in multiple ways. In addition to ice cream, which is gobbled up in a few minutes, head off to a nursery. Give each child enough money to pick out a special plant meant to represent this year's growth: Marigolds, Petunias, Begonias, Daisies, Carnations, Geraniums ... the choices are well beyond naming. Variety of color is a good thing. No two children are alike. Whatever flower they choose is the perfect one to buy. And, don't worry whether you have a yard or not. The good news is a "Blossom" party works the same for both. Simply bring home the color wherever you are. Plant them in the yard if you have space or create a windowsill or table display. Celebration is the purpose.

Song of Solomon 2:12 NKJV The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.