On a warm October day three years ago, Laura and I buried 40 dull brown tulip bulbs in our front flower bed and in the mulch around the oak and maple trees that grow in our yard. That next spring, and every spring since, 20 red and 20 yellow tulips have bloomed bright and vibrant.
They are nearing their peak right now and seeing them reminded me of an interaction that we had last April. We were doing some yard work one evening when a strange red truck rolled to a stop at the end of our driveway. The man inside leaned out his window and said, “I just want to let you guys know that I love your tulips. I’ve really enjoyed admiring them lately as I’ve driven back and forth to work. Thanks for planting them.” We both smiled, waved and thanked him back.
When you think about it, it turns out that tulips have a lot in common with the message of Easter and with the risen Christ. After a long winter, tulips have a way of rising up from the cold, dark ground just in time to lift our weary spirits, to remind us that new life continually springs, and to assure us that there is hope and brighter days ahead.
Welcome spring and happy Easter!