I once heard a customer say that during the heat of summer, she tries to spend as little time outdoors as possible. And in a way, I understood. Even when it’s all you’ve ever known, Florida summers can be brutal, and it was a season of life when I, too, often avoided the heat at all cost.
I worked long hours and part of a weekend shift. I savored the air conditioned car and cool, interior rooms at home and at work. I loathed to break a sweat and didn’t like to get dirty. (I still don’t really love to get dirty, but hey – you live and learn, right?)
Yet even still – if I concentrate hard enough, I can see glimpses of my own love for nature in spite of the propensity for comfort.
Like the way I used to find a shady spot to park my car and roll down the windows after heading to a local drive thru for lunch. Or the lazy Sunday afternoon walks around the neighborhood, and the church parking lot. I also loved occasional day trips to the beach and bonfires in the back yard. And of course, I can’t forget family vacations, ski trips to the mountains and spontaneous adventures with friends.
So when my customer said she tried to spend as little time outdoors as possible, I understood – But on a deeper level, I also felt like she was missing out on something beautiful.
And along the way, I realized I was too.
I love the fresh air and the smell of green grass. I love the colors of dawn, the morning fog mixed with golden light and the sweet scent of honeysuckle at sunset. I love to see the subtle hint of new life pushing through the dirt, a brilliant display of fresh flowers in bloom, and the shade of tall, ancient oak trees under a summer sun.
So why has it only been in the past few years that I’ve started to acknowledge this love of nature for what it is?
A healing balm.
I’m not entirely sure, but maybe it’s why I can now be entertained for hours with only a digital camera and the outdoors. And even though I’ve mentioned it before, I’ll say it again.
There is a sense of calm that floats on fresh air.
Nature has so much to teach us. She also has so many beautiful experiences to offer when we pause to find them.
And it makes me wonder, how much peace do we often forfeit by simply running from one door to the next?
In the current climate of COVID-19 fear, uncertainty and lock down around the world, we can still take our cue from God’s Creation, and we can continue to hold on to His Word.
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22
Even after the longest night, the sun will always shine again. She may dip below the horizon for a time, but she will be back in the morning.
Yes, she’ll be back, reminding all of us that goodbye isn’t forever, new mercies are on the way, and fresh perspective is almost within reach.
Until then, I appreciate you allowing me to process these thoughts here, and I know we’re in an environment where for many people, a change of scenery isn’t safe or even possible.
That’s why I’m excited to share something else with you.
My Mom is the gardener of the family and I love to admire the fruit of her labor. She has a special green thumb, and with her permission, I’d like to invite you on a “Virtual Garden Tour.”
Capturing these photos has been a creative outlet for me during this time, and if you need your own breath of fresh air today, please feel free to scroll to your heart’s content.
May this be a simple, but heartfelt change of pace even if you’re not able to experience an actual change of place at the moment.
Grab a warm mug of tea. Breathe deep, move slow and stop to smell the roses.
He hath made everything beautiful in his time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Thanks Misty, as always the words you write are like a breath of fresh air and much like the healing balm nature is for you. I feel the same way and always feel closer to the Lord when outside enjoying His “artwork.” Thanks for the lovely virtual garden tour!🌿🌹💛
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Julie! Thank you for your kind support. I love the Lord’s “artwork” as well! Have a great day 🙂