Summer Simplicity

Don't you just enjoy tender loving art from our Creator? Especially in the form of wildflower surprises? His beauty is everywhere if one takes the time to slow down and appreciate His gifts He brings to everyone. Small and grand are these simple gifts, from mountains to swamps, there are surprises even in the least of places people prefer to be.

Every summer there are a thick patch of phlox that spring up near our home. A wonderful wild garden that seems unaffected by ice, snow, sleet, rain, wind, cold, severe heat, and hail. They spring up and seem to say "We'll shine His beauty despite the circumstances the years or seasons bring." Always is a reminder to me that we should be the same in our daily walk with our Lord and towards all we meet from ant to person, hornet to animal, all are needed and should be respected for their unique role they play in this world.

My son walked down to take these pictures knowing he might be rained on if he dawdled too long. His way of giving me a bouquet that wouldn't go dormant or die, after season ends for their beauty. That's not all. He found a surprise himself as he was bringing me his gifts from afar. He found a different, wild lilly, growing in the midst of our usual wild garden.

Isn't she lovely? We thought so. He is my budding photographer, literally. Right before the wildflowers steal our breath away, a garden of raspberries and gooseberries are ripe and ready for the feeding & nourishment of our physical needs. God is faithful.

Nobody really is certain of the thoughts of their closest family or friends and would not know how briefly these joys are viewed and yet how long the joy of these simple gifts & reminders thrive within one's deepest core. They can brighten a moment or a week, much longer when all else, around a person is a trial, burden, or sorrowful time. I do see the beauty. I do absorb it. I also know where these little things originate from, not only scientifically speaking but from our loving God. I hope you see it too. It may not change the circumstances if one is in the midst of trying times but certainly can lift the spirit if one takes the time to think upon His tokens of genuine love.

Shining our love should be of our utmost concern, but how many times do we forget? I certainly do. Maybe it's not so much forgetting as in not taking the time to remember as we rise to meet each day. Maybe it's allowing or having been around wrong character that can corrupt our ways, and will if not shunned. No matter the reason, God is there to nudge us back if we take the time to hear Him, to see His love & feel it within, enough so that we can shine again.

Christ's love to all of you.