Hanami Ni Ikimashouka? (Shall we go for ‘Hanami’?)
“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” – Matthew 6:28b-29
On a random Tuesday afternoon at the cafeteria, a senior nonchalantly suggested to us two friends, “Do you guys want to go for ‘hanami’?” (‘Hanami’ is Japanese for ‘Flower Viewing’, typically Sakura.)
The invite seemed catchy in its randomness. After all, it’s Hanami! Who wouldn’t want to grab hold of the mesmerizing sight of the pink and white blossoms floating around?
credit: Joanne Manoj
Within a span of few hours, a group of 12 friends, set out to the nearest park conveniently located a little behind TCU grounds. As we walked to and settled on a comfortable spot to sit at, I could sigh and attest to the fact that the view was indeed picturesque, and the flowery sight was just a pure, refreshing moment to soak in. Yet, what made the whole feeling invaluable was the company. The group had united after their long and respective spring breaks, and this chance to reconnect through fellowship in the presence of these blossoms was just the missing piece for a perfect evening.
credit: Primrose Chakalamba
The lot split to engage in their various activities of interest. Some tossed their volleyball around, some chased their football about, few admired the falling petals of absolute beauty and clicked as many pictures as possible to their heart’s content. A couple of friends challenged the others for a rigorous but stimulating tree climb, while the rest just laid back, relaxed, and gazed at the enthralling sight. The beauty of the falling blossoms was awe-spiring, a testament to the Creator’s handiwork and His magnificent attention to the detail on even the tiniest of the fallen petal.
credit: Matthew Fernandez
credit: Matthew Fernandez
I recall this practical statement that a senior once made, “Life as a student is complicated, but the spring makes up for a whole lot of it.” And, it certainly does, now that I have witnessed it firsthand. Coming from India, a place where we don’t experience the seasonal glories of all the 4 seasons, I could literally just sit and admire every individual flower that I come across. Be it the lavender-white spring starflowers that lay obscurely around wanting to be noticed, or the majestic hoard of the pink, rose-like blooming camellias that proudly stoop down at us admirers as though it were royalty, or even the soft-petaled garden tulips standing tall, upright and stealing the very show; one could never get enough of the spring in Japan and in TCU’s campus.
credit – John Bangura
credit: Matthew Fernandez
Albeit there is some unspoken sadness that one undergoes when these blossoms fully fall out. The short-lived joy – – only emphasizes the fact that nothing in this world is eternal except the Lord and His Words. I conclude with this hopeful note stating that, God-willing, the next year’s Sakura blossoms will make a magnificent comeback with all theiretherealness like theydo every year. Until next spring!
credit: Jesser Maddux
Written by: Sharon Anil
