Beauty of Spring

The beauty of spring gives so many people joy and delight as we see the vibrant colors and interesting textures in the plants that bloom. I'm not a gardener myself, but I do enjoy the result of others' labors who do enjoy it. Here are a few photos I made while at SSJD the other day, walking around the grounds, captivated by the work of the sisters and the gardeners who work there.

In particular, I enjoy getting up close as in the macro shot of the center of the orange flower. You can see the lines of the petals and the symmetry of the seeds in the center. Everything is perfect as God created it to be.

The second image is spindly. I don't even know for sure what it is. The fine thread like image looks so creative; a piece of art with God as the artist.

I have always loved peonies. They remind me of my grandmother who had many of them in her gardens when I was growing up. And the smell is wonderful too! My only regret is that they don't last very long. But I'll enjoy their beauty for as long as I can.

And finally, I think this last photo is a flower coming out in bloom. The sun is shining vibrantly in the center, surrounded by a ring of fire. And the texture has a rugged quality to it. 

The magnificence of God's glory revealed through the flowers in our gardens is overwhelming. I read this quote ... "looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind." That's so true in my own experience. And this quote as well resonates with me ... "Nature is one of God's beautiful creations. Through nature, God is able to teach us, speak to us, and provide for us. For this reason, we can find in scripture that we humans are called to protect all which is of He has created. Use these Bible verses for a better understanding."

I thank God for those who tend the gardens whether it be in their front yards, parks, hospitals, libraries or at places like SSJD. Whether it's walking through my neighborhood or in the public places of my community or the grounds of the sisters, they all become holy and sacred through the nurturing and tending of beautiful gardens that invite me to see and recognize the glory of God.

In closing, I share this poem by Robert Frost ...

A Prayer in Spring

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

To which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends he will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Bounteous harvest ...

Yesterday I spent some time at one of the local farmer's markets. There is such a bounty of fruits and vegetables that are colorful, with different textures and tantalize the taste buds.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. As one who enjoys cooking, I'm able to eat things that were grown locally. There is a freshness that adds to the delicious taste. As a photographer, the colors are so vibrant and inviting.

And of course, there is the spirituality of remembering with gratitude all that God blesses us with. I also enjoy the anticipation of what harvest is yet to come over the coming months. The local strawberries are out; the field tomatoes are yet to come. Delicious!! And all gifts from God!! 

As I drive around the area, it grieves me that so much of our farmland is being redeveloped into subdivisions and strip plazas and condominiums. I think we'll be sorry for that someday. I only pray that we will preserve some of the farmland for future generations. 

I encourage each of us to head out to a farmer's market and offer support by purchasing local produce. You won't regret it!!