This week my neighbor excitedly told me that her dogwood tree is blooming. As we walked across her yard to have a look, I asked if she had heard of the dogwood legend. She had not heard of it, possibly because she is from out of state. I did my best to give her the story.
Dogwood trees always bloom right around Easter. I have noticed that even when Easter is very early or very late, the trees seem to find a way to be right on time. Of course their blooms last for a few weeks, but it's always right around Resurrection Day.
We looked closely at a blossom, and I asked her to notice the edge of the four petals. On each petal there is a dimple that resembles a nail hole. I did not elaborate further. She was taken aback at the profound testimony of nature to the death of Jesus on the cross for us.
Maybe when you see a dogwood tree in bloom this spring you will think of Jesus.