My observance of Lent this year involves fasting, but not from bread or chocolate or TV. I am finding it more difficult to restrict that which is less obvious and tangible, such as multitasking and rushing. I am discovering that this intentionality and focus frees me to new ways of seeing and listening for God’s presence.
choosing
no to getting it all done,, yes to being still
knowing
Stained glass window in one of The Painted Churches in Texas
http://www.klru.org/paintedchurches/
I love every one of The Panted Curches I have visited. As you approach each of them, you see lovely but fairly plain old buildings. But when you open the door and step inside, your breath is taken away with color and beauty, each one unique from the others.
I am reminded once again to pay attention, to take the time to stop and look past the exterior of the ordinary. It may contain a discovery of wonder and beauty.
November morning light
glows through still green leaves
Autumn in South Texas
wilted leaf lifts
edged with diamond beads
mercy falling in drops
quenches thirst
shifting clouds darken
trickling tears
turn to pouring rain
garden bathed and blessed,’
grace received
Photograph by Jeremy Parker, near Reno Nevada October 2015
feathers
telling of wings and nests
of flying
of grace
mostly found grounded
but now looking up,
seeing feathers
and Light
vulnerable
transparent
available
hanging hearts
clusters of jade tiles
circle wide from center
spreading shade for fish beneath
mosaic circles of respite
hiding place
Driving toward Houston at dawn is a rush of hurrying commuters headed for their work target, streams of traffic, sounds of impatient horns. On a morning recently when Joe and I were headed to an early appointment in the Medical Center, I photographed the quickly changing colors of sunrise. The car was moving fast, the clouds and colors shifting, and there was no opportunity for focus. The wash of color is still a gift, and a reminder to me to look for beauty everywhere, all the time.
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.
“Wisdom begins in wonder.” ~Socrates
Stones and Feathers 