Breathe with me today. Watch a tree.
Something amazing happens when we take time to see . . . not just look.
Over the weekend my husband and I had a time-out from busy schedules to be entertained by autumn in the mountains. Bound to routine I’ve been guilty of doing a drive-by rather than a rest-in during the fleeting season.
Although it was a scenic drive to the mountain, I couldn’t wait for the next morning.
A daybreak devotional of just . . . seeing.
WHO could do this and keep it going? Seasons come every year right on time. Trees remain trees, but they become different. No cosmic accident or complexity of chlorophyll, but the unique handiwork of a master Artist whose palette can’t be duplicated.
Everything changes and nothing changes.
The mountain lake was doubly breathtaking with still-smooth waters reflecting painted trees. The sun magnified the brilliance of the ones closest to the water.
Radical glory reflected in a mirror image on the lake, interrupted by ripples from the current.
I thought of how we were created to reflect the glory of God. I thought of the ripples in our life.
Journal and pen . . . I walked to the familiar (prayer) bench where my writing was birthed a few years ago. Bottled up life poured out on paper. Thank you, Sue.
I noticed dated entries from this time of year when our family faced trials. Comas, transplants, near-fatal car accidents, all recorded . . . in remembrance of God’s glory.
Circumstances can sometime mute the brilliance of beauty.
Remembering, I walk back along the parchment path. Unchanging evergreens form a towering cathedral over the fading glory. Tall trees undressing before my eyes become naked for winter.
Fleeting autumn splendor.
So, my journal entry this fall day, dated 2012 . . Gratitude. Thank you, Father for allowing me to (keep) seeing what You’ve done and for bringing me through the dying times . . . the “rippling” times, that reveal your glory so well . . .love, daughter.
We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Verna
You are waxing beautiful with your poetic flair today, Verna. I can see your time in the mountains helped you experience the splendor and glory of God’s creation and His wonderful presence there with you. Thanks for sharing!
You’re the poet, dear friend . . . however, autumn makes all of us poets 🙂
I’m in the mountains right now, Verna. And yes, I’m trying to do a rest-in, rather than a drive-by. I, too, am guilty of looking, but now seeing.
Enjoy your rest-in, dear friend! Thanks, Vonda!
Vera, this post reminded me to take the time and breathe in His glory! Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year since I was a small child. I’ve allowed circumstances to rob me of some beautiful moments this fall . . . today I wlll soak it all it! Thank you, dear one, for the reminder!
xxx
Thank you, Helene . . . I understand how circumstances can “fade” what we see . . . so drink in the color of the season, dear friend!
Vera, this post reminded me to take the time and breathe in His glory! Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year since I was a small child. I’ve allowed circumstances to rob me of some beautiful moments this fall . . . today I wlll soak it all it! Thank you, dear one, for the reminder!
xxx
Thank you, Helene . . . I understand how circumstances can “fade” what we see . . . so drink in the color of the season, dear friend!
Love!
Thank you!
We’re heading to the mountains this weekend. Father, please make it a “rest-in” rather than just “drive-by” time.
You deserve a “rest-in” . . . enjoy the mountains and God’s handiwork!
We were up to New Hope yesterday and came home by the river and the canal. A clear day with clear beauty reflecting the autumn trees. Amazing. Love you..
That’s a beautiful ride over by River Rd — even when it’s not autumn! Love you, too!
You have really painted a beautiful picture here, Verna-I feel like I was sitting on your prayer bench with you. Thank you for sharing.
. . . and you have (many times) . . . thank you, Laura!
You have really painted a beautiful picture here, Verna-I feel like I was sitting on your prayer bench with you. Thank you for sharing.