Remember singer Al Jolson (40’s-50’s)? “Though April showers may come your way / They bring the flowers that bloom in May. / …… So keep on looking for the Bluebird, and listening for his song. / Whenever April showers come along.”
Never heard of Al Jolson – your loss! You may not know the singer, but listen to his song. So full of hope, yet realistic about the fact that there must be some watering and of course fertilizing. This winter has dragged on and on and on, even rain showers will be graciously welcomed.
There are many showers in our life, sprinkles, splashes, down pours. Oh yes, we complain about them too – someone cuts us off in traffic or while we are in a line – someone keeps us waiting for an appointment – we misplace something – we catch a cold – we may not be able to wear our Easter Bonnets – and the beat goes on and on and on!
But if we don’t experience these showers, there will be no May flowers! The Bluebird may be pretty to look at, but just like the Blue Jay its song may leave much to be desired – true again, God’s wonderful sense of humour – combining beauty and irritation. Can’t seem to have one without the other.
Flowers are the evolution of beauty. How are you blooming? One Sunday while sharing with the parish congregation, I posed the question “What kind of flower are you?” Immediately came a response from a four year old boy sitting beside his father. “My daddy is a snapdragon!” Spontaneous applause broke out from the congregation, and a big blushing smile from his father. You may think you smell like a “rose”, but ask others for their opinion! Have you had enough showers to bring forth your flowers?
Keep looking for your Bluebird and listening intensely for its song. That Bluebird may be sitting right there on your shoulder – “zippity doo dah – zippity day…”
Welcome April showers!
Barbara Vaughan, CSJ