One Season Blends Into the Next

Fading Breath of Summer

Amidst delight and exuberance

A longing for an essence noticeably out of reach

Summer is a time of sowing, reaping, giving out

Often drawing one from quiet time with the Book

There is a noticeable weakening from not being nourished

A hunger for that quiet path of restoration to be refilled

Along the way there appears a bit of mountain crispness

Astonishment accompanies a gasp of breath in the chill

A lingering summer tanager sounds a cry without answer

The cacophony of strife stills as

Hummingbirds begin their arduous journey

Glossy deep green leaves on black gum trees

Suddenly sing out in magnificent red

A few loosen their grasp to drift in downward circles

Carried along on a wisp of wind

To lie along a dusty roadside and gleam in the grass

The late afternoon sun shines through tall trees

To illumine the leaves with special light

Shorter days allow time for pondering and awaiting insight

For hearing what the Spirit brings to mind

To refresh and refill the storehouse of the heart

A harvest of treasure from which to pour out love

Lengthening shadows reveal a dramatic landscape

Golden leaves glow with more vibrancy in the evening sun

And tendrils of fog lift upward in the cool as the day is done

In a special way my soul is in tune with the seasons

I am compelled to praise God for many reasons

Autumn takes its cue

And paints the landscape with every hue

How marvelous the bronze and gold

Like the color of the pavement in Jerusalem of old

Oh to stop and allow that warmth to envelope my soul

My whole being rejoices in the process of being made whole

As a spectator of the changing of the guard

One season hands the baton to the next

It gives witness to the faithfulness of the creator

Just like promises, each season arrives in designated time

Though we may not recognize its presence apart from changing leaves

Yet the soul may sing out at hearing the cries of wild geese over head

Cold winds may come early and we walk briskly

Golden rod smiles with warmth enough to store in memory

To chase the cold with reflections of a time of blossoming

Perhaps sitting beside a fireplace wrapped in an afghan of gold

Imp 9/25/11

Peaceful Reflections

There are scenes of beauty that lift me above myself in a way that is almost indescribable. At first the impact of the vision might move me to stop and just stand in witness of such a lovely sight. I have framed the vision in my mind and almost unknowingly I bring the camera up in position to align with the image in my soul and record this moment to witness forever. It is a little piece of the fabric of my life. The reflections in the pool are more detailed than I first realized. Reflecting on moments of my life are filled with much more than I was aware at the time they came to be.

The soft, almost impressionistic image shines with a depth of which there are far too few words to express the magnitude of all of nature represented in this small garden beauty. The reflection of the rocks in the background contrasts with the lovely flowers, and surrounding the whole of it is the refelction of the glorious blue sky. Those rocks provide anchor for the pool and add texture and character. Oh how much I see some of the same images through pondering the moments of my years. I see how the Rock has always been there for me even when I failed to rely on Him. Instead of these flowers I recall faces of the years... teachers, friends, parents and grandparents and all the aunts and uncles and cousins... I recall moments as photographs of picnics and of riding the bike down a country road; I remember smells and sounds and dear voices; I can close my eyes and imagine passing scenes along the roadways of many trips whether short Sunday afternoon trips or longer journeys.

The colors and sounds and smells of celebrations and sorrowful occasions blend with the wildflowers on a set apart hill and the birth of my children; the wonder of meeting my husband of all these years as the memories of special times along the way grow more special to me every day.

Looking into this vast canvas more deeply I begin to see more of the providence of God along the way, weaving the pattern with details that could not have happened by chance. It is in looking through the memories that I can look forward with continued anticipation because I know the faithfulness of God in the fullness of His power and glory.

Looking at the reflections in this pool are a quiet time event. It is in stillness that we see more deeply into the intricate details with growing awareness of the mystery of life. It is delightful to watch rushing mountains streams and feel caught up with excitement that will carry me forward, but without quiet time beside a garden pool I cannot know the lovely nature of all with which I have been gifted. These wonderful moments are jewels, sparkling as the flowers in the garden pool, blessing after blessing that I would miss were it not for set apart times. Looking back fuels delightful anticipation for every new morning.  At times it is tempting to set up my tent and stay a while in what seems perfection for my soul. The Lord is still weaving the tapestry of my days and there is still work to do, so I must tarry for only a little while. Just as I gaze at the amazing details in the pool I realize that if I returned they would have changed and present something totally new. My experiences would also be different, my quilt would shine with new jewels through the numbering of my days to gain a heart of wisdom. The pool would still be beautiful in every season and every part of the day in the changing light from sunrise to sunset. God is unchanging but He is constantly at work in me so that I may be changed to blossom in His timing. Knowing this I must move forward with great anticipation while these beautiful images remain to help cheer me along the beautiful way.
I am thankful.