Hummingbirds arrived at our feeders and flowers on Sunday—right on time by their schedule, but a few days later than we were expecting them.
Sherry manages our flowerbeds and potted plants and tends to the feeders. We both love the hummingbirds, but they are especially important to her. She selects flowers that will attract them, and takes meticulous care of the feeders and their contents.
The hopefulness of spring may begin with the thaw, or the equinox, or the first buds on the trees. For Sherry, there is always a few days of wondering—worrying—whether the hummers will find us. Once they arrive, the season of renewal is upon us.
They are pretty little birds, of course. And being so small, they are delicate and fragile.
But at the same time they are unbelievably resilient. That so small a creature can undertake such heroic migrations—travelling northward just behind the advancing warmth, then south again just ahead of the creeping winter, all the while exposed to whatever the weather may bring—inspires profound admiration and inspiration.
They give us hope that no matter how insignificant we may seem, we can face whatever challenges are before us. And some of us may need occasional reminding that we, too, bring beauty to the world.
Since the hummingbirds left us last fall we have encountered some of life’s difficulties and dealt with disappointments and losses both large and small. The arrival of a pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds on Sunday thrilled us both and gave Sherry’s spirits a visible lift.
There is beauty in the world. All will be well.
