Toronto is enchanting in the spring! The Canadian winter is long and arduous, and the months of January and February are especially demanding. Long nights, short days and minimal Vitamin D. But suddenly spring—primavera—hits with a massive thud! The trees explode with their buds and overnight the landscape is changed from barren brown to gorgeous greens. The crocuses burst their purple heads and the forsythias joyfully display their yellow leaves throughout the cityscape. It all happens within days.

No casual subtlety here in Toronto spring. Just us crazy Canucks having our way with the metropolis on the northern shore of Lake Ontario.

Miraculously, this year it came a month earlier than normal! Some might say this is an ominous sign, but I will receive it with the open hands of gratitude—the gift of an early spring! Truly, let the ravines of Toronto, led by the Humber and the Don, clap their hands with joy unto their maker!

An ancient poet spoke of spring in these words:

“Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song of Songs 2:10-13).

Spring is always enjoyed; always magical. Especially when it is an early spring! A gift from Abba to a people needing comfort, encouragement and a divine touch.

So if you live in TO go for a long walk and live it up! If not be glad for what you can and rejoice with those who rejoice because the spring doesn’t last long in the land of the Great Lakes.