To “bible belt” residents of southeastern U. S. states, spring blooms of Dogwood trees bring not only an awesome beauty to behold, but they also radiate a pure and reverent familiarity over and again. It is not a secret that during springtime, in this part of the world, the dominant blooms' cross-formed petals remind Christian believers of the sacrificed Lamb of God. Their summer fresh green leaves, juxtaposed with dainty white florets, cheer them too. It seems never ending likewise, that their exploding freshness draws in onlookers like me. After all, they invite “peaceful, easy feelings”. For many years, I did see Dogwood flowers bloom and fade, but I really had not given them extra special attention until recently. Exactly three weeks after autumn had come again, they gave me an astounding discovery. The trees' bright red berries and leaves' exploding hues of purple, orange and red had come in quiet splendor. They even put a graceful dance just for me, as soft winds passed by. Today their seasonal rebirth struck a chord within, and filled me with an extraordinary surprise. As I stood still in front of the Dogwoods, their open arms appeared to more than ever entreat and spread God's warmth and abiding love. Their perfect and spectacular display of color blend could not as well have been my day’s most gracious of gifts. I instantly told myself to not mind selfishly keeping the moment’s encounter deep down in my bosom. I doubt not that I would have the rare opportunity of re-unleashing the warmth and tenderness received today when the cold, bleak moments of yet another winter come.
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