Ephemera

Like many plant lovers I get excited at this time of year by seeing new life emerging from the detritus of the forest floor.  Many of these plants are known as “spring ephemerals” because they are short-lived, drawing on the sun’s energy before being shaded out by the overstory in summer.

Pictured here is one called Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) which blooms for only a few days in early spring.  This plant was a wild garden gift from my friend Glenn Herold.  I’ve missed its bloom in the past, which isn’t hard given its brief appearance.  I was happy to see it this year, and eager to share this photo captured by my wife Alisa.  Faith’s activity in our lives certainly includes big and obvious things, but also the wonder of the ephemeral ones.  How do these glimpses encourage faith in you?