landscape
Leaves are sprouting bountifully on the black walnut trees as the limbs are aglow with green moss nourished by the days of rain. Green is the predominant color of spring tinted ever so gently with sprigs of white Dogwood peeking beneath the canopy. Bearing the evidence of renewed life, the forest and fields burst forth in their multiple shades of green as though pronouncing their new command of the landscape. After the winter of browns and grays the new kaleidoscope is a refreshing reminder that life’s continuum still exists. A thankful heart embraces the season’s bright arrival and beats with enthusiasm for what is yet to come!
The landscape glistens in the glow of the morning sun. A refreshing rain from the evening past lingers as heavy dew on the grass covered meadow. Leaves from the black walnut trees are beginning their descent, giving notice that the fall season is on its way. Sebastian the cat saunters past with his proud morning catch in tow. As we take in the majesty of nature’s array, we can’t help but whisper prayers of thankfulness for the opportunity to participate in another day of possibility. Gratitude fills the heart as fuel for the journey. “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24
A white haze occupies the meadow illuminated by the bright morning sun. Warm and more humid air has penetrated the landscape now basking in the stillness of the day. Fresh planted flowers seem to turn their buds eastward to consume the life giving glow of the sun. Life abounds all around as a reminder of the majesty of its creator. As I ponder the magnificence of His creation I cannot help but give thanks also for the creation that writes these words. Created from the joining of two gametes long ago and destined to be the recipient of an abundance of His blessings to face life’s challenges, this boomer reflects through the lens of gratitude. Though there are many different lenses through which one may reflect, gratitude framed in the orb of thankfulness yields a richness not found in any other. May the lens through which you view each moment of each day be the time tested and sparkling one of gratitude.
Fog shrouds the landscape. As the day is dawning, warmer and moister air is laying claim in and through the forest canopy. Forecasters predict near record highs across the region as temperatures soar to near ninety. Just a few weeks ago we were caught firmly in the grip of winter’s freeze as she seemed reluctant to surrender to her spring master. It seems that bouts of excess crowd the procession of seasons, disrupting our projection of “normal.” Some prognosticators warn of even greater swings in weather as a result of human produced carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The answer seems simple but the journey to its solution is even longer and more complex than the road that led us this far. These new weather “symptoms” are requiring “different” accommodations. Similarly, these PD symptoms are requiring a different means of movement and exercise that “accommodate” this new normal. Although I cannot reverse this diseased journey my body has taken, I can learn new and different ways to negotiate the path now before me. Beyond the palpable exists the spiritual and emotional engine that drives forward each waking moment. True gratitude is the fuel that ignites this thankful vehicle for the journey that is each day. Today is another opportunity!