Unobserved Treasures

Unopened buds caught my attention this morning. When I turned the wooden plant tower so the orchid would be more visible to me, additional buds showed up. 

            Three orchids prepared to bloom. Even more astounding was my smallest plant with a miniature, purple flower. Rows of buds joined it. 

            Every day I passed the plant tower without really looking at it. From my favorite chair a few feet away, I read my Bible and daily devotionals. I soaked in the beauty of sunrises, garden flowers, and a multitude of wildlife. 

            As calming and incredible as all of that was, I had missed the treasures close to me. I watered the plants each week and occasionally added fertilizer. But after the routine care, I mostly ignored them. 

            However, with the flowering orchids facing me, I will enjoy the loveliness of the flowers and anticipate additional ones. 

            During our time of coronavirus isolation, lives have changed. For most of us, life has slowed down which gives us time to notice and fully appreciate blessings nearby. Busy schedules may have caused then to be overlooked like my blossoming plants. 

            During this time, I have talked to many friends instead of texting. Joined neighbors on the sidewalk to visit. I have worked in my yard and watched butterflies. Observed a pair of eagles with neighbors. Done long neglected crafts. Read more books and watched educational shows on TV. Danced to country music for exercise. Sent cards for encouragement to those who are even more isolated than I am. 

            What treasures have you rediscovered? Let me know. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV) 

Loving Father, thank you for the blessings you give to us both small and huge. Help us not miss them. Amen

Weeks of Isolation

Today marks four weeks of home confinement. After two weeks of bronchitis with intense fatigue, the coronavirus added its period of self isolation. 

            When I recovered from bronchitis, energy returned and I eagerly attacked chores around my house. I partially cleaned out closets and the garage. My yard looked better after I pulled weeds and trimmed plants. 

            Each day I read, finished craft projects, played games, called and texted friends, sent cards…

            But today, my focus wavered. My to do list stared at me defiantly when I glanced its way. My mind formed plans but motivation disappeared. 

            The last few nights produced erratic sleep. At 3 this morning, I got up, read the Bible and my daily devotions.  After praying, I slipped back into bed for a couple more hours of sleep. 

            Later in the morning when I sat on my patio, clouds muted the sky but no rain for the parched earth. 

            However, the peacefulness of the lake consoled me. Bird songs revitalized my sapped energy. 

            Suddenly, boisterous squealing and screeching from one side of the lake to the other disturbed the tranquility. A bald eagle swooped from one tree top to another. 

            I grabbed my binoculars and focused on one majestic bird. One next door neighbor came from her yard with her binoculars. Then we observed two eagles on separate sides of the lake. The ruckus continued. 

            Another neighbor joined us as we all peered into the forest. Some of the sounds were desperate like a cry for help. The first neighbor had seen a young eagle perhaps just leaving the nest. To us, it seemed that the parents were near by, encouraging the youngster, but not helping him fly. No matter how much he cried out, he had to do it on his own. We didn’t see the young one, but after several minutes, silence returned. 

            From chaos to serenity, the episode revived me as I connected with my neighbors. We looked at caterpillars and butterflies in one butterfly garden. Each of us has milkweed for Monarchs and enjoys the beauty of the lifecycle. 

            Like the shrieking of the eagles, whining doesn’t change my situation. Instead of complaining about being home, I can make the most of isolation. Recently, I have seen more of my neighbors as we get out of our homes. I have learned from the History channel and enjoyed creating new crafts. I am eating at home and probably better. When I appreciate what I have been able to do, the time is not all wasted. Each day, I can choose how I will react and be thankful. 

With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing for joy and celebrate every day we are alive. (Psalm 90:  14 The Voice)

Dear Lord, help us as we deal with difficult situations. We know You are near even during the trials when we feel alone. Help us be thankful. Amen

Holding Tight

At the peak of a bare cypress tree, a great white egret clung tightly to the branch and scanned the lake. His slender neck formed an S as his eyes traveled back and forth. Without even swaying, his spindly legs held him firmly. 

            I stared in amazement at his inspiring feat. Behind him, a pink sunrise turned into a blanket of gray. Despite the change around him, he remained stoic and focused. 

            As I watched him, I thought of the anxiety and fear in the world because of the coronavirus. Facts and opinions screaming at everyone. Overwhelming uncertainty. 

            Each morning in my serene, lakeside retreat, I spend time with God. Reading the Bible, daily devotionals, and prayer prepare me for the events of the day. 

            Watching wildlife slows me down and reminds me of my blessings. God created beautiful flowers, unique animals and awesome sunrises. Animals teach lessons in survival, focus and doing what they were made to do in each situation. 

            For a few minutes, the smallish, white bird rested. Then he lifted his vast wings and took flight. His perching and flying bodies looked quite different. The time of rest prepared him for his impressive flight.

            As we hear disturbing news and predictions, it is important to retreat and let God provide peace and strength for the journey ahead. 

You have been my constant helper; therefore, I sing for joy under the protection of Your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand reaches down and holds me up. 

(Psalm 63: 7-8 The Voice) 

Loving Father, in our unsettled world, provide peace. Give us hope and strength for the days ahead. Amen

Spread Peace and Not Fear

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

Like a burst of flames, sunrise lit up the sky beyond the lake. A new day of opportunities awaited me. 

            Days and days of dire predictions and endless charts with numbers of those infected and deaths filled my mind. Huge numbers of schools, churches, businesses, and even Disney were closing. 

            Officials warned of horrible consequences from the Coronavirus. Guidelines for citizens to follow circulated in the media. After all the terrible news, newscasters and doctors said to remain calm. 

            Anyone who constantly watches and listens to the alarming newscasts becomes fearful and anxious. 

            The beautiful sunrise reminded me that the sun comes up every day. God doesn’t shut down His creation. Birds continue to sing joyously. Flowers bloom in vibrant colors. New leaves sprout from dormant branches even when our world is in turmoil. 

            In the chaos, we realize that we are not in control. Of course, we try to contain the illness and follow the guidelines for safety but we have no guarantee we won’t get sick. Reality hits that only God controls His world. 

            We can pray and reach out to those who are frightened. Phone calls, emails and text messages can include Scripture passages and words of hope. 

            Isolation from normal activities offers opportunities to fully engage with family and friends whether near or far away. In the quiet, we can take a walk and truly notice nature. 

            Read, do a craft, clean out closets, write a letter, play a game, paint a picture, accomplish neglected chores, watch funny shows, play an instrument… Endless possibilities surround us. 

            Instead of lamenting what we are missing and forming horrendous stories in our heads, we can focus on the present and be thankful for what we do have. 

            Just as panic spreads so can love and calmness. 

Loving Father, in our distress and fears, give us peace and contentment. Amen

Uninvited Isolation

Coughing. Sniffling. Fatigue. For days, I shuffled from my bed to the couch and wrapped myself in a warm, fuzzy blanket. 

            My exercise was to drag myself to the kitchen for water and return to the couch. 

            Old TV shows like Concentration, Colombo, Password, and  McHale’s Navy entertained me. Books and magazines provided companionship. 

            Except for visiting my doctor, my only trips outside were to check for mail and retrieve the garbage can.  

            Every day, I hoped my ordeal would end. Instead, I cancelled activities I really wanted to attend like an Amy Grant concert, Bible study, Emily’s archery competition, Molly’s softball game, church service, a friend’s birthday lunch, a neighborhood get together… 

            At first, the cancellations bothered me a lot. But then, my misery lessened. Friends brought soup and left cold remedies at my door. Many neighbors offered to pick up food when they went out. One got my medication at Publix. 

            Each day emails and text messages kept me company as friends and family checked on me. Prayers were offered. 

Even isolated at home, I didn’t feel totally alone. 

            Although I regretted missing so much, I was thankful. The bronchitis and fatigue would fade and my normally busy life would resume. 

Thankful for: 

A warm, comfortable home 

Clean water to keep me hydrated

Food in my refrigerator

Books

Electricity for lights, TV and computer

Doctor

Medications

Neighbors bringing food and medicines

Phone to get text messages from family and friends

            I thought of those with terminal illnesses who would never be well. People in nursing homes who have lost independence. Residents in Tennessee who lost homes and loved ones in the recent tornadoes. Millions around the world who are hungry, cold, discouraged and live in fear. 

            My temporary illness and isolation helped me see how blessed I am. 

(Whenever we’re sick and in bed, God becomes our nurse. Nurses us back to health. Psalm 41:3 The Message)

Heavenly Father, thank you for all of my blessings. Encourage and strengthen those around the world who face obstacles. Help them know the love of Jesus. Amen