On being surprised by life

I wasn’t expecting the delicate Camellia bud when I stepped out in the late afternoon light.

Surely it’s still winter. What are you doing here?

And then there’s the increased bird chatter across the valley.

Isn’t that a bit loud – and beautiful – for this time of year?

Yet if we are open to it, there is life everywhere.

Even in surprising places and times.

Can you see it?

Pause and be astonished – because you won’t notice if you’re hurrying by.