The Simple Gifts of a Normal Spring Day and a Redbud Bouquet
God’s beauty ministered to my soul. Walking six miles benefited my body. And my spirit was refreshed as my friend and I spoke truth and encouragement to each other.
Yesterday afternoon my three youngest children and I met some friends at our church property. Elizabeth, Esther, and Ezra loaded up skates, rip sticks, and water bottles, then clambered into the car, anxious to take advantage of a rare outing during this topsy-turvy time. The constant rain of the last several days left the ground swampy and mud-filled, but the mile-long concrete drive surrounding the church building beckoned for skating, walking, and visiting.
We weren’t the only ones with that idea. A few others from our congregation and the surrounding community took advantage of the rare break in the rain and the mild spring day. We greeted each other from appropriate distances and soaked in the sunshine as we circled the property several times. The trees showed off their short-lived blooms, the light breeze tickled our faces and the fresh, clean air made our lungs rejoice. Spring in all its glory had arrived and we were there to experience it.
And sometimes God gives normal afternoons and throws in a surprise bouquet of redbud to boot.
I originally had other plans for the afternoon. I wanted to complete this task and put that phone call behind me. My world, like everyone else's, has been upended by our viral visitor and for us, things have not slowed down. Despite my prior intentions and the things I planned to accomplish, the afternoon’s normal-feeling reprieve was exactly what I needed.
God’s beauty ministered to my soul. Walking six miles benefited my body. And my spirit was refreshed as my friend and I spoke truth and encouragement to each other.
On the drive home, I continued enjoying the blooms outside my car window and commented on how much I wanted some redbud branches for our table. Entering a stranger’s yard to pull branches off their tree wasn’t exactly an option and the ones scattered among larger trees in wooded areas weren’t easily accessible. As I spoke, I passed a house with brush piled out front from a recent trim job. To my delight, along with lots of greenery, there were several purple-tipped branches of redbud. I pulled over and gathered a nice bunch to take home.
That wasn’t a coincidence. The afternoon and the beautiful branches were a simple, thoughtful gift from a generous and detailed Father. No, the virus and its attendant problems haven’t disappeared. I don’t know what we will face before the worst is over. Even the rain is returning in three days. But I do know that the Lord is still on His throne and He can still be trusted. He offers wisdom, peace, and comfort in the midst of our messes.
And sometimes God gives normal afternoons and throws in a surprise bouquet of redbud to boot.
