With Christmas decorations now stored away, our living room’s star is a giant monstera plant that we’ve brought inside. It sits by the hearth, and its enormous leaves spread across the floor, almost taking over the space. These leaves can be as big as fish platters, making quite the impression.
The holes in the monstera’s leaves give it a unique look, almost like they’ve been eaten by moths. But these holes are actually a smart adaptation. They help the plant thrive in tropical environments by letting light pass through to lower leaves, ensuring each leaf gets enough sunlight.
Each morning, as I enjoy my coffee, I find myself considering how we, too, could make more space for light in our lives. Light can come in many forms, and this winter, mine has been the few moments I steal to watch goldfinches from my window.
Goldfinches arrive in my Louisiana neighborhood around Christmas and stick around until Mardi Gras. They start as olive-colored birds and become bright yellow as winter fades. Watching their transformation fills me with joy; it’s like they are shedding the dullness of winter and blooming into vibrant life.
Right now, there are a dozen goldfinches at my feeder, their bright wings and sunny feathers resembling a work of art. This connection to nature has been a balm during a difficult January, marked by heartbreaking events like the tragic act of terror in New Orleans and wildfires in Los Angeles.
The news is often filled with heavy stories, making it hard to see any beauty. But is finding joy in small things helpful? Barbara Kingsolver wrote about this beautifully years ago. She shared how, during her hardest times, focusing on a single beautiful sight—a red geranium, her daughter in a yellow dress, or a crescent moon—helped her rediscover love for her life.
Kingsolver’s message isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about engaging with it. It’s about recognizing the beauty around us as we work to heal a world that sometimes feels broken. Her words remind us that even in winter, hope and joy can still shine through.
