Come Along on My Summer Morning Walk

or

Wandering Ponderings

Feeling down and discouraged? Going for a walk in lovely surroundings always perks up my spirits. My severe allergies and asthma often prevent me from walking outdoors, and I know I’m not alone in this situation.

We were recently blessed with a gorgeous, unseasonably cool Summer day, and I took advantage of it. I thought I’d share some of my photos and meandering thoughts, so even if you are physically unable to get outdoors you are still able to share the blessings of my foray.

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy” Psalm 96:11-12 ESV

Our neighborhood has plentiful walking trails, and most of them meander past several ponds. I always feel compelled to stop and snap a photo of tree limbs and their reflection. The sight and sound of water always make me feel reflective.

When I’m out enjoying Creation, I’m always reminded–and encouraged–to see that even imperfect things can still be beautiful. The scarred, damaged tree trunk, the misshaped flower–they add a certain loveliness and character to the scene. It gives me hope, realizing that perfection is not required.

Bruised things can still be beautiful and productive.

I always consider it a wonderful treat to see the Great Egret on my walk. Imagine how thrilled I was on this walk to catch sight of him (or her) SEVEN times as I wandered through the ponds.

I believe this is a Great Blue Heron. I rarely see him on my walk. Isn’t he majestic?

Turtles and butterflies are both difficult to photograph, as they are skittish at my approach. One little turtle splashed into the pond just as I snapped the photo, and the other jumped ship immediately after. The butterfly, however, posed for quite some time and I snapped a gallery of him!

I took numerous pictures of this sunflower before I realized little bees were buzzing around on the center, hard at work. Frequently no one notices my hard work, either. It’s tempting to just go on strike and stop all productivity until the cheerleading squad shows up, am I right? These bees reminded me that there are many things happening behind the scenes, many unappreciated and under appreciated people (and bees!).

But that doesn’t mean our small, unnoticed work isn’t valuable.

Summer lasts long here in central Oklahoma. Frequently it seems as though the relentless stifling heat will never abate. But here, already, I found evidence of change coming. Yellowing leaves on a healthy-looking tree, whispering that Fall will come again. Even long, difficult seasons will come to an end.

Yes, even your long, difficult season.

Of all my takeaways from my meandering summer walk, this one has resonated the most. See this bud? Unopened. Hidden. Expectant. Full of unrealized potential.

So much needs to happen way down deep–inside, where no one can see–before the blooming begins.

It’s easy to become discouraged, isn’t it?

Keep cultivating.

Feeding.

Nourishing.

Working.

The bloom is wakening.

Harvest time will come.

Thank you for joining me on my summer morning walk.

I see you there. You feel discouraged, perhaps useless. You wonder how your pain, your difficulties, can serve any useful purpose. Don’t lose hope! Continue planting, watering, doing the next right thing. All this–even this–can be used by God to bring beauty for ashes. To encourage someone who’s on the path behind you. Perhaps to turn you into a more empathetic, compassionate human. 

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

Let’s talk! How are you cultivating? What are you sowing today for future harvest? Please share in the comments section or on my social media posts.  

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Resources

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I’m linking up today with Holley Gerth #letshavecoffee

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