Cups of Sunshine

Tulips coax spring from the sky.

They sway in the cool breezes and draw colors from the soil and the sun.

The stems push them up through the brown dry grass almost suddenly.

We spot them and we know that spring has come.

Like bright-faced children running out to meet us when we finally arrive home from a long journey.

Like the beloved face of an old friend appearing in a doorway.

Tulips are handleless cups of sunshine.

Against a still stark background of browns and grays,

tulips are miracles,

dressed in petals woven of color, light, and joy.

The green of tulip leaves is a special shade of green

so welcome to winter-weary eyes.

The stems bend and bow in the wind easily,

being supple with youth and filled with moisture from winter’s last rains.

Even the palest and softest shades of pink and yellow

shine like a schoolroom’s primary colors.

Tulips should have crayon names like

ButterYellow and Frosted Strawberry.

And why take ye thought for raiment?

Consider the lilies of the field how they grow;

they toil not, neither do they spin;

And yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven,

shall he not much more clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30 kjv