Sometimes, it’s really, really important to celebrate the small things, and this evening feels to me like one of those times.

This week, I am especially thankful for the garden, the act of growing things, and Spring evenings.

Brightness and kindness: Someone surprised me with some daffodils and a kind message on my doorstep.

Flowers, flowers and more flowers: They kept turning up through my week. Arranging them, potting them, sharing them and planting them felt creative, hopeful and fortunate.

Walking: in town; along the lanes (spotting spring flowers and lambs all the way); in a nearby gardens on a school trip “reccy”; on errands and just because. Often with my daughter, sometimes the dog, once with my dad, sometimes alone. The act of moving, of putting one foot in front of the other, in the fresh air, feels deeply health-full to me.

There were more small things too: baking; music; the satisfaction of working hard in a supportive team; bright, comfy clothes and transitioning to summer shoes; the anticipation of a holiday; friendship and seeing our children get along with our friends’ children too.

This week, I also ended up exploring what it means to have faith and hope, through learning and teaching about the Jewish Passover celebrations. There’s something about the deep, long history of both sadness and hope that is moving to me. And of course, Springtime feels a natural time to be hopeful.