There is a very slow blooming bud

On the flowering cactus you gifted me

A sign of promise and expectation

A reminder that no one

Can see the future.

I watch it daily though it’s color seems hardly to change

Wondering when and praying over and over

How long oh Lord?

As the prophet wrote, the one we always quote at Christmas.

It’s fitting that this bud appeared now

In the darkness of my discontent

At the dying of the year

In the midwinter

At night

When the world around me had shrunk to a few trusted ones

Who protected my heart

Just like a good gardener protects the plants under her care

Watching for signs of growth and life

And signs of disease.

Yes, this bud appeared at just the right moment

To remind me that light will return

And spring will come

And all will be well, and all will be well.

All

Will be

Well.

And so as I cry how long oh Lord

I also say to my own reflection

Be still my soul

For God comes near the brokenhearted.