I didn’t remember grinding the coffee beans, but the coffeemaker was gurgling and filling its carafe. I didn’t remember making oatmeal, either, but there was a steaming bowl of it in the microwave.
I was far too distracted by the “things I have to get done or else” list running on repeat in my head.
Usually walking outside hits a reset button for me. But this morning, even delivering sunflower seeds to waiting songbirds was powerless to refocus my thinking.
Until…
Until the sun climbed above the horizon and lit my entire backyard with God’s version of twinkle lights.
I spun slowly to take it all in. Every surface was covered in dew. Every blade of grass. Every leaf. Every drooping petal was outlined; every cupped petal was filled with drops. What’s more, stretched over open spots in the bushes and flower bed were webs that had been invisible to me only moments before. Big webs and little webs. Tidy and messy webs. Sagging and taut. Every silken strand laden with dew drops was now twinkling in the sun.
I spun round again and could not stop smiling!
I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath until I heard myself whisper in a mighty whoosh, “Thank You, Lord.”
Thank You, Lord, indeed, for stopping me in my distracted tracks. Thank You for so lovingly giving me the chance to join Your creation’s Hallelujah song this morning. Thank You. Hallelujah and Amen.
Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Let all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD… Psalm 96:11-12
14 Responses
Oh Deb, this is absolutely beautiful. I am so honored to have been asked to enjoy your pictures and writings. You are an amazing true disciple of the Lord and a blessing to everyone that knows you. Thank you so much for sharing with me. I love it!!
Thank you so much, Kim. I love being able to share the wonder of God’s presents. I’m glad you enjoy them, too!
I love to hear your comments. I love your pictures. You capture so many different angles that most of us do not see but you have patience to do it. I also love your Bible references.
Oh, Aunt Pearl, thank you! Yes, I believe you have caught me more than once doing Flower Yoga to get at just the right angle. Ha!
You told me when I started taking nature pictures that I would start seeing the world differently and would never look at light on ANYthing the same way again. You said that’s what happened when you and Mom started taking painting classes. You were absolutely right.
I really do feel like I am unwrapping God’s presents. Those Bible verses are part of His gift for me. I’m so glad you enjoy them.
This is just a delight! Don’t we so often overlook the beauty God have created in the midst of our distraction with the things we worry and fuss about? This is a beautiful reminder that God has wonderful treasures in store for us and wants to meet us in the simple beauty of a morning sunlight. Hallelujah!
Thank you, Cindy. I am so guilty of letting worries distract me. What a lovely, gentle way for God to re-direct our attention. Take care.
Beautiful Deb, So happy you are sharing your art of photography and writings. The stories and images go so well together, you truly have a gift to give.
Thank you so much, Laurinda!
I’ve been reading your friend/mentor Nancy Rotenberg’s book! I can’t imagine how wonderful it was to learn from and work with her. No wonder your photography is amazing!
Take care!
Your words and your pictures warm my heart. The Lord has blessed you with a gift for photography and writing and I am so happy that you are sharing them with others. Love the blog!
Oh Myra! Thank you so much! Your words warm MY heart! And the lily from your garden? I’ve had so much fun taking pictures as they bloom this summer. Be on the lookout. They are going to make their way to the blog! Take care.
Deb your photos are amazing, as well as your writing! Both of these help me through my journey a few years ago. I looked forward to reading and receiving these text messages each time! You are truly blessed with a talent!
Thank you so much, Linda. So many times when I’d be studying a flower, I’d also be praying for the people I thought might like a photo. More than once I thought, “Oh Linda will just love the complementary colors in this flower!” Ha! I didn’t even know about complementary colors until you taught me! Thank you for teaching me about color and for your support as I photograph and write. Take care!
Stop. Look. Really LOOK. Stop. Listen. Take our time to LISTEN. Your photos are stunning. So many gifts God gives, but we have STUFF to do and don’t see or hear. Thank you for another reminder of what truly matters, what fills our souls and makes life worth living. Dewdrops. Check. Sunlight streaming. Check. Broad smile that filters into the heart. Check.
Thank you so much, Shelley.
I am amazed at how many times He stops me and redirects my attention to Him with such tenderness and love.
Take care.