As I inspected the burgeoning leaves growing on a tree in our yard, I found myself rejoicing that Spring had FINALLY banished Winter into submission! Time to celebrate! New life was sprouting everywhere!! But just as poignant within me I found myself bracing AGAINST that hope and delight. “Winter would just come back again and strip all this beauty that was struggling so hard to win the day. Lynette, prepare yourself for the disappointment that plunges you back into that barren Winter.” Dang! Where did that come from? A vision of me ringing The Bell at the chemo infusion center last Summer popped into my mind. Such hope and joy in that budding moment of new life! Cancer free! Spring had sprung! But Winter had struck again in THAT reality in my life, plunging me back into the barrenness of more cancer and chemotherapy. Tender leaves again shriveling to dried tendrils chocking out hope. (Well hello Debbie Downer). Made me wonder if I’ll even choose to ring The Bell after this 6 months of chemo is done in July.  Could just come back again. Hmmm… God, this is NOT the right attitude! A win is a win! Even IF it is temporary. Celebrate THAT moment Lynette! It was hard earned! The tender buds of hope (and faith in your plan, whatever it may be God), are beautiful in and of themselves. I WILL REJOICE in them! And in You! So, tiny leaves so soft and supple in your hopeful emergence from the tree, WELCOME! You are blessing my heart with determined delight!