Cherry Blossom Afternoon

Cherry Blossom Afternoon, Branch Brook Park

This photo shows cherry blossom trees in a beautiful early evening setting in Branch Brook Park today. As a designer, I marvel at the play of textures and color in mature cherry blossom trees. The limbs have a dark, coarsely textured appearance that provides the perfect contrast to delicate white blossoms. The balance of delicate and coarse, light and dark, and oddly matched colors and textures seen in cherry blossom trees suggests a supremely gifted and creative artist behind its form. And, despite the sophistication and maturity of its design, its aesthetics strike an emotional chord with all, young and old. This masterful and generously given gift is creation at its finest.

But let’s go beyond that. What does this gift of creation tell us about the giver? Imagine if someone gave you a gift that not only brings you delight, but will also be enjoyed by countless generations that follow you. And, while you are asked to care for the gift, the giver continues to insure that the gift functions smoothly for decades . . . even centuries. Cherry blossom trees are that sort of eternal gift from a Creator who makes it grow and bloom generation after generation. And, the Creator gives generously without profit motive. In fact , all of his gifts are motivated by love . . . We can learn much from the cherry blossom!

” . . . Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware.” -Psalm 139:14