nature
Overcast, but far from gloomy, the verdant green of the fields and forest illuminate the landscape. Squirrels scurry about foraging for nourishment as red tailed hawks glide by with a watchful eye. The chickens pick their way through the pasture adjacent to the stable securing worms and larvae working their way to the drier spots in the otherwise saturated soil. A doe and her fawn scurry back into the cover of the underbrush that encroaches on the field as soon as they detect the human presence, even from afar. Further down the farm lane six wild turkeys prance and scratch their way through the brush seeking their ongoing feast. In the light of the clouded morning the wonder and beauty of nature springs forth and delivers us to a place of awe and wonder. There is joy in the sights to be seen and we are inspired by the opportunity to witness the magnificence of nature’s expression. Gratitude to the creator wells up in our heart and mind as we ponder and give thanks for today’s experience. A grateful heart is the icing that sweetens today’s slice of eternity!
At the dawning of the sun the mist was rising from the surface of the pond. Miss Gracie the Golden was searching for a suitable spot to deliver her morning deposit as the sounds of grackles and crows were distracting her. Suddenly from the depths of the valley below the pond, a gobbling warning from a wild tom turkey arose three times. Something must have threatened the flock for such a stern warning to have erupted. Whether fox, raccoon, coyote, or snake we will not know, but we do know the warning gobbles ceased. Gracie returned to her quest for just the right spot and found the location worthy of her deposit. Life could now return to its scheduled agenda of preparing morning coffee and listening to the voracious canine consumption of the morning feed. Life frequently offers up distractions from our otherwise intended agenda. Our challenge is to discern the nature of the distraction as either inconsequential or as a warning of something being amiss. Aches and pains are considered part of the aging process and are often treated as simple distractions. Sometimes persistent pains emerge that require more than mere accommodation. They require our attention to uncover their nature and potential intention. Sometimes the source can be identified and its effect may be either eliminated or diminished. At other times the source may remain unknown and can only be addressed with palliative care. In either case a basket of gratitude from which blossoms of thankfulness may be picked lifts one’s spirit and shines a brighter light on one’s journey.
Birds are chirping and the fields glisten as the morning sun strikes the dew covered flora. The cool evening set the stage for a refreshing morning worthy of praise. Sizzling sausage patties yielded their fragrance as the fresh farm eggs were being beaten in preparation for a sumptuous breakfast. With toast and jam, sausage and eggs and a steaming cup of coffee, this day was off to a roaring start. It is not every day that we feast so abundantly in the morning. For today’s provisions and the physical fortitude to prepare, we are grateful. As we prepare to join others in worship of our creator we cannot help but be thankful for the supply of daily needs, the love of family and friends, and the sovereign care from the loving God. “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
There were days when the wind seemed relentless blowing from the northwest. A small five inch piece of siding lost its grip and a tiny space under the eaves became loosened just enough for a mating grackle to wedge her way into the waiting space. Debris from the compost pile littering the top of the air conditioning condenser was the first clue that something out of the ordinary was transpiring. Peering out of the kitchen window, we witnessed the grackle fly toward the space with dried grass sprigs as she builds her nest soon to be host to multiple eggs. A faulty flashing presented the opportunity for nature’s child to host an incubator for a new generation. How often do we see what appears to be a problem when someone else has seen it as an opportunity? It is in challenges that we learn the meaning of victory. It is in hardships that we learn perseverance. Sometimes it is less important to focus on what we see and more important to understand how we see it. The Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Thessalonica to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Note the instruction is not to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. May our eyes be opened to the possibilities that lie before us as we step in faith toward each new day!
A warmer breeze is blowing over the leaf barren hills as spring begins her tempting arrival. Even the birds are chirping louder and more longingly than just a few days before. Cackling hens announce the arrival of eggs as the rooster crows his victorious rule over the flock. The old stove is now serving to remove the ever so slight chill rather than its usual role as heater in its domain. With the snow storm having passed just a few days ago, could this now be the opening curtain for the first performance of spring? Each day gives witness to greener fields than the day before as daffodils perk their yellow trumpet blossoms to the morning sun. Nature is emerging from its slumber as the unwelcomed cold begins to retreat. Greenhouse plants eagerly await their transplantation into the waiting soil of the garden. As nature adjusts to the change in weather, so also does this grateful “boomer” begin the process of adaptation to greater movement, the flow of pollen, and the desire for outdoor habitation. Nature’s demonstration of new birth reminds us of the Creator’s provision for new life that we celebrate in the weeks ahead. True gratitude manifests itself in the acceptance of God’s gift of new life as the grace and mercy that it is.
She’s restless and constantly licking herself, pacing in between sniffs of every inch of the carpet or the door. She finds a restful place stretched front paws forward under the vintage end table. Gracie, nearly nine months old now, is entering her first “heat” cycle. This means Agnes, two months Gracie’s junior, but many pounds her superior, will be doing the same soon. Special care will have to be taken with each as the scent of the female dog in heat can travel for miles, luring every unneutered male to her rescue. Nature is taking her turn with these two precious pets reminding us that the cycle of life moves forward. The time will come when each will be selectively mated with a male of good genetic rendering to offer up a prized litter of their respective breeds. Until that time we learn to accommodate the full measure of nature’s quest for mating and attend to keeping the precious pets as calm and comforted as possible. Nature’s cycle will work her way out and in a few weeks we will be on the other side of this call. Living with PD has given us experience with living through cycles of life. Sometimes stiff and rigid, sometimes trembling and tired, and yet at other times as close to normal as one can recall. We have learned that none of the experiences alone equals the total of what life holds. The wonders of life’s diversity in experiences add color to the canvas we call life and renders up a masterpiece that is priceless!