In unwrapping HIS presents,
I grew up in the country and have always been drawn to the beauty of nature: creeks, woods, fields, sunsets…. In my retirement, I thought I’d learn landscape photography. Then, my husband surprised me with a macro lens, and I discovered a nature I didn’t even know existed.
The first thing I saw through that lens was a nearly empty dandelion head. As I brought it into focus, I realized I was unwrapping a most beautiful gift! The spiny detail on remaining seeds clinging to the pocked seed head! The light on those feathered ends! I was in awe.
Like a child on Christmas morning, I was greedy for more.
Dandelion flowers, dandelion puffs, and white clover. Full flowers and single petals. Backlit by sunlight. Rimmed with dew. Alive with butterflies and honeybees.
Dew drops, rain drops, and spider webs. Seeds, leaves, and moss. Everywhere I turned, it seemed, I found presents.
Over the next months, my giddiness gave way to a quiet pleasure as I learned to unwrap His presents more slowly from different angles, in different light, with different apertures.
One day I realized that God had been unwrapping a present in me. Photographing and wondering about nature, losing myself in the unwrapping of His presents, was healing!
No matter how heavy my heart when I set out with a camera, I returned lighter, quieter, held by a Father who had created me to marvel in His creation and to be blessed by the wonder of it.
Tentatively, oh so tentatively, I did begin to share – first only with family and friends whose hearts were heavy. Pictures and encouragement. Bible verses and prayers.
But, presents like smiling hummingbirds and startled orchids give me the giggles. Smooth, pale soybeans clinging to open pods at harvest pique my curiosity. I started sharing those presents, too.
Some asked if they could share my texts. Others just shared. Several encouraged me to consider a blog.
So here we are. Sharing together.
Not because my photography and musings are so worthy or wonderful, but because His gifts to us are.
I pray that my photos and reflections will provide a lens through which you, too, can find God’s presents and presence in your life and that you will join me in humble praise and thanksgiving for the wonder of it all.
Deb
