Spider Web

 

Spider Web

 

     There are a number of lessons this simple spider web can teach us.

 

     Looking at the spider web, I admired its intricate design and the work of the single spider who had woven it.  I also realized that the spider, because it is so close to the web, will never see its full pattern; only someone at a distance can appreciate its beauty. 
    
     It can be the same for us.  How easy it is for us to dismiss the importance of a kind word or action as we go about our regular activities; we are tempted to believe that these small things "don't really make a difference."  And yet, a  simple word or action may have been exactly what was needed at that moment.

     The spider is also attentive to its web; continually maintaining it and aware of any disturbance.  
     
     Do we respond to the call to quiet and reflection; those times when God is trying to get our attention? 
    
     Do we recognize those times or places in our lives that need some repair?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Tree Branches in Autumn*

 

 

                                  Wrapped in black velvet;

                                     branches and trunks

                                     set off amber leaves,

                                     providing the

                                     framework for

                                     Autumn's spectacle.

 

                                  Do I remember

                                    it is Love's

                                    faithful Presence

                                    that supports and

                                    gives life

                                    to my efforts?

 

                                                                            *from Fields of Grace

 

 

 



Marsh Marigolds

(from Fields of Grace)

 

 

 

 

 

                                  A life spent high

                                    above the forest floor

                                    offers itself

                                    to future generations,

                                    its task completed.

 

                                 Its passing marked

                                    by golden voices

                                    raised in songs

                                    of praise and

                                    thanksgiving

                                    to the Author of Life.

 

 

 



Water Lilies

 

 

 

Water Lilies



 

     This is one of my favorite photos.  While it's not uncommon to see a field of wildflowers, it's unusual to say the least, to come upon a lake that is carpeted with water lilies. 

 

     I'm fortunate to drive past this scene nearly every day, and it always makes me smile.  I like to think that God also delights in this scene - inserting a bit of whimsy in an otherwise serious world.

 

     Like so many things in nature, water lilies offer an invitation to stop for a moment and be refreshed by the Beauty that surrounds us. 

Hummingbird

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's unusual to find a hummingbird sitting quietly.  Usually they're flitting from flower to flower, drinking in mid-flight.

 

As I watched this hummingbird at the feeder I was reminded of the importance of taking time for those things in life that feed our soul and spirit.

 

 

Sometimes we too, need to stop and drink deeply.

Weeding the Garden

I finally got around to weeding my big garden yesterday. Just to give you an idea of how bad it was, I filled up the wheelbarrow five times with weeds and grasses that had taken over most of the garden.

Somehow it was always too hot or too wet, or I was too busy to get out there and weed.  It didn't seem like it was that long since I had weeded, but the size of the weeds told me otherwise.

As I was bringing order to the garden I thought about how often I can forget to take time for reflection and prayer.  Too often I convince myself I just don't have the time, or that there is something more important to do first.  And before long I can't seem to find my balance - that's when I finally realize what I've been missing.

Taking time for quiet reflection/prayer on a regular basis is essential - it's kind of like keeping up with the weeds in the garden. 

The challenge of course, is remembering how important this is, and scheduling time for it.

Yellow Rose Bush

 

 

Yellow Rose Bush

 

I have several rose bushes in my garden, and sometimes I wonder if they're worth all the effort - and then the blossoms appear.  Their delicate petals and sweet scent are more than enough payment for all the effort.

Faith in the unseen can be hard to sustain sometimes, but the rewards can be heavenly!