Spring 2011

One of the things that I love about my home state of Missouri is spring. One of the most peaceful things in the world is to see a Missouri dogwood peaking through the scruff of a wooded area.

With Easter approaching this coming weekend, I thought you would like to be reminded of the legend of the dogwood.

An old and beautiful legend has it that, at the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it: "Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a gibbet. Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross -- two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints -- brown with rust and stained with red -- and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember."

 

This weekend was the annual dogwood festival in Camdenton, Missouri.  It is one of my desires to attend this festival, admiring the dogwood trees that line the highway between Jefferson City and Camdenton.

 

Our neighbors have the most beautiful back yard,  lined with a split rail fence and wild dogwoods in the back.

 

I would love to have this view in my backyard while I sip on my tea in the morning.  I am grateful that I get to drive by it on my way to work everyday!

Here's hoping that where ever you call home, it is beautiful with the flowers of spring.  Happy Easter!