Jon and I love to go for rides and stop along the way. He uses his drone to capture amazing views, and I walk around with my camera looking for little things that catch my eye. Recently, on one of these quiet wandering adventures, I did a lot of wondering. I have no idea where some of these thoughts and actions come from, but here they are.
One of the first things that drew me in was the remains of last year’s Wild Cucumber. (To learn more about this plant click HERE.)
I love seeing these pods in the summer and maybe more so now in their fragile beauty. I thought: “Lord – I can hardly wait to smell the new blossoms!” I noticed as I clicked this photo I took a deep breath as if hoping the scent of last lingered. It didn’t, but that was okay because then I almost stepped on these beauties.
Aren’t their little caps delightful? And the cracked acorn – the seed still inside. A potential tree with the potential to leave thousands of acorns across the land etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. (Said with my version of Yul Brenner’s accent in the King & I.) Grinning (I felt my lips do this.) I looked at a fallen branch near my feet.
As I bent closer to get these pictures, I heard myself say, “Lord, Your creation is so much fun. Who else would make a bit of lichen look like a tiny moth or a group of them look like seashells?”
When I stood up straight, I saw this . . .
. . . and wondered which gust of wind tore the branch piece from its tree and left it to hang here. It didn’t feel random. When I zoomed my lens in, I thought, “Cool – this was once a woodpecker café!”
A few steps later I saw where a squirrel had a good meal as well.
I hoped he or she enjoyed the tasty tidbits.
Not too far away, I saw a bit of green. It’s likely a weed, but after winter, green is good! And I said to myself, “This is a lovely little bunch of leaves looks like they are bubbling over with happiness.” No, I don’t think they know happiness, but they reminded me of the way I feel when someone makes my heart happy. It’s an overflowing kind of thing.
Leaf landings always fascinate me. They seem to cling to the place they wouldn’t normally be. Is that a good thing or not? I guess it depends.
On my way out of the brambles I had climbed into and snagged my jeans real good, I noticed evidence of a human who had been there before me.
I wondered who it might have been and again felt a grin stretch my now very dry lips out. “I don’t know, but You do, God!” I found that thought deeply satisfying.
Looking down again I saw a bit of green and one word came to mind: tenacious. I hold a grudging respect for these painful yard predators. I know from personal experience how much their spikes hurt on the bottom of bare feet. But that day, I also respected this one for showing up so early in the season.
When I turned toward the van where Jon and the dogs waited patiently I almost stepped on this tiny juniper tree. I heard myself ooh and ahh as if seeing a new puppy (or baby anything), a brilliant sunrise or sunset, or the first hummingbird of the season.
I got in the van then got right back out. I’d seen a tiny puddle. Although not clear here, it held the reflection of a large Juniper – sort of a living photo.
On the way home I wondered about the many things I’d seen (I haven’t shown you all the photos!) in such a small space in about half an hour. At one point I said to myself, “You are easily entertained.” My inner voice was unkind. I rejected it and asked God to give me a gentle lesson or two from my wandering time because I believe all of our moments are important to Him.
The nudge that came was to keep noticing.
Lately, I’ve noticed something about this noticing: when applied kindly and gently to people, I see things that lead me not to do or speak but to pray to the One who can do what no one else can. Although I love to pray, it remains somewhat of a mystery to me why the God of the universe wants me to talk to Him about what He already knows, but I know this: it’s a privilege, and it’s part of our relationship with Him.
And that leads to all kinds of wonder!
Until Next Time,
Joy
P. S. Have you heard the news? I’m part of a fantastic group of authors! I’m so excited and honored. Please check out our website.
I felt as if I was on your little adventure with you, Joy. Stunning photos in their natural beauty and lovely words to accompany them. Thank you.
What an encouragement you are my friend! It would be wonderful to walk with you!
I enjoyed your close-up of nature and comments. It was like morning worship.
Thank you, Carol! I’m so glad you felt what I felt.