I’ve heard on the radio that this weekend is the high point of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Everyone should see this time of year in Washington at least once, as I was fortunate to do back in 2014.  This is what I posted after that on April 2 of that year; I thought I’d share it with you again today.

Yesterday afternoon, I received an email from She Who Must Be Obeyed, telling me to meet her at the Pentagon at 4:30 so we can run over to DC and see the Cherry Blossoms.  Her reasoning was sound enough; it’s the high point of blossoms for this year, and Friday rush hour wouldn’t be as crowded as the weekend… and Saturday (today) is the parade and hoopla. Yes, opportunity knocks! Off I went…

Last evening was glorious in Washington, slight breeze, clear skies and temps in the 70’s; so nice after a long and harsh winter.  There were a large number of people walking around the Tidal Basin enjoying the early evening, the weather, the beauty of nature combined with the creativity of men in a setting that recalls the heritage of an entire people.  For once, they got it right in Washington!

Looking to the southwest toward the Tidal Basin, there’s a stunning view of the Jefferson Memorial with the bright color of the cherry blossoms and the people out to see the glory of spring.

The blossoms are thick on the trees right now both in white and varying degrees of pinks, gifts of the Japanese people nearly a hundred years ago, and carefully groomed and maintained by Americans as a reminder of our mutual desire to live in peace… and created by our loving heavenly Father to testify of His glory!

Sadly, it’s hard not to forget that in just a couple of decades after receiving this wonderful gift of 2,000 cherry trees from the Japanese people, we found ourselves at war, and what a terrible conflict that was!  I hope that when we remember that, and when we consider the friendship that once again developed after that terrible war, we can all take hope that decency will prevail over the folly and avarice of men when we view these beautiful trees…

America has not always lived up to the ideals of its founders, and the Church has not always lived up to the designs of God, but how can anyone help but be inspired when we view something like the Cherry Blossom Festival? Being immersed in an environment where two cultures come together with the backdrop of a heritage of unity, surrounded by visitors from every culture, speaking a myriad of languages, all gazing in wonder at the glorious creation of God?

I don’t see the nations of the world learning the lessons God has for them any time soon, but what about the People of God; can we learn to serve Him in unity? Yes, I realize that most will say that’s not possible, but I’d like to ask this: Why not?  The Old is gone, the New is here!  This is not a theory, and it isn’t just a hope, for God has declared it a Fact.  Can we set aside our differing views on minor things long enough to be united around the important things?

Time will tell…