Hope in the Garden for All Seasons

 My new book is out. I have copies to sell and it is also on Amazon. 

The Long Trip to Nowhere

            At the rural DeLand station, I chatted with another passenger as we waited for our Amtrak train to arrive. She had gotten a job promotion with a transfer to Orlando. She was anxious to go home to South Carolina to see her husband for their anniversary. 

            The pleasant spring weather provided the perfect send-off for my trip to Charleston, SC, to visit my friend, Jean. I looked forward to exploring historical sites with her for a few days. 

            In the coach section, I struggled to get my suitcase over the bar of the overhead luggage rack. Alan always used to do it for me. This was my first train travel since we went around the United States many years ago. Memories filled my mind. 

            After my seatmate listened to her music for a while, she turned to me, and we began talking. She had visited her sister near Orlando and was returning home to Jacksonville. 

            As we traveled through old Florida, I saw rows and rows of trees and shrubs at multiple nurseries. Green forests lined both sides of the tracks, and then occasional houses appeared. We crossed over the St. John’s River and stopped briefly at the small town of Palatka. 

            We resumed our journey, and I enjoyed the scenery from one window while noticing a four-lane highway on the other side.       Then my new friend spotted a large plume of black smoke ahead. 

            We had just discussed less stress traveling by train compared to flying. Then our ride stopped. 

            Passengers looked at each other.  No station. Why were we stopping by the road? We waited and waited. 

            Finally, a voice came over the intercom. “There’s a fire ahead on the tracks. We have to wait for clearance.” 

            Quiet conversations continued. Books and Kindles came out. Snacks were nibbled. An hour passed. Then another hour. 

            A text from Amtrak dinged on phones. Still delayed. We were told the fire was near the tracks. 

            Thankfully, there was cell service. Text messages went to family and friends. Phones rang, but we were not to use them without earbuds which I didn’t have for my new phone. 

            A huge number of people were trapped far from a town. We began searching the internet for information about the fires which was relayed to fellow prisoners. The fire was spreading and not under control. Fires had started days before. 

            After an extended time, a worker began passing out small bags with 3 little packets of snacks and bottles of water. Everyone started eating, and the food changed the mood. Children became restless and moved up and down the aisle. Adults asked questions and wondered how long we would be there. No answers. 

            A text to “Valued Guests” came thanking us for our patience. What we wanted was information and a way to get out of the predicament. Would we resume our trip? Would they supply buses? Still no answers. 

            After about four hours, another text said we would be backing up to Palatka, and everyone would get off. The trip was canceled, but then what were we to do? 

            I had been texting my son, Chris, who had offered to come and get me earlier. However, I had no idea what was going on then. We decided he would drive to my stop and pick me up. However, I had no idea when I would get there. How fast do you go backwards? How far was it to Palatka? 

            When I found a Jacksonville tv station online, it reported about the fires. A lady sent a comment that she was stopped on the auto train, so we knew there were two trains on the tracks. 

             As we were all discussing what to do, a final text came through. 

“We will go backwards and take passengers to the station they left from.”

            People who were going home to the north didn’t want to go back south. Did we have to go back to that station? Could we get off at the first stop? 

            I checked with Chris, and he said he would pick me up in Palatka.  It would take him an hour and a half which was farther than DeLand. But we had no idea when they would actually get to my station. The train still had not moved. 

            Finally, we began to slowly back up. In a few minutes, lights showed but no station. A pause and then we moved again. 

            Passengers could get off but not get back on. Several travelers decided to remain onboard to get to their departing station. A long line formed down the aisles as we moved from on car to the other. One by one, we trudged off. In the dark, I couldn’t see where to walk. The building was not close to our car. While I tried to see the walkway, a lady pointed me in one direction after I went around a barrier. I prayed I wouldn’t fall in the dark. The walkway ended, so I had to pull my suitcase through the grass. Clusters of people formed around the station which was closed. We were all on our own. No one was there to assist us. 

            Thankfully, my seatmate and I had sons coming to rescue us. Chris was in Winter Springs, and her son was coming from Jacksonville. Both had an hour to an hour and a half drive. 

            The one car rental in the town was closed on Sunday. Others tried to find an Uber driver to take them to Jacksonville. None were nearby in the little town late at night. 

            Six police vehicles were parked near the entrance to the parking lot. That made me feel better since it was late and not a great area. However, they stayed with their cars and blocked the entrance. 

            While I waited for over an hour for Chris to come, I talked to various travelers. One lady had come from West Palm Beach and had to be at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville the next morning at 5:30 am for a test. Her mom was getting her an Uber for $160. Another lady had surgery scheduled for 7 am in Jacksonville for the following day. Her husband found an Uber for $300. 

            There were still about fifteen weary travelers waiting when I left. I was so thankful that Chris made the long drive to pick me up. When I arrived home, I had been gone twelve hours for a trip to nowhere. 

            Even though the situation was frustrating and I was disappointed not getting to Charleston, there were some positive moments. 

            I met some interesting people. I spent time with my son. 

            We were all safe. 

            Amtrak certainly could not control the fire. However, they could have handled the situation better. After our train was stopped, there should not have been three trains continuing their travels behind us. Our online sources about the fire stated that it was growing and not under control. It seems those in charge of the trains would have been able to get that information too, so that we didn’t have to remain there for so long.  An hour or so is understandable but not five. Since we arrived first, we had to wait until the three other trains backed up before we could return. Hopefully, we will get the refunds for our trip like we were promised.

            The situation was annoying but not horrible for me. However, for those with medical issues, jobs to get to, students going to school, and those with no transportation, the extended delay caused stress and difficulties. 

            For all of us, we will remember our adventure and perhaps even laugh about it in the future.

            

 

            

The Black Leather Biker

 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii^[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, brings thousands of motorcycles to Central Florida each March. The influx of tourists increases business for restaurants, hotels, stores, and other establishments. 

            However, throngs of bikers jam local streets and beaches. Residents contend with crowds as they try to go about their normal activities. 

            The stereotype of rowdy, rough riders fills many minds when they see or hear of disturbances and arrests. However, people of various ages, nationalities, and occupations gather for the iconic event. Some fit the label, but many don’t. 

            As I stopped at a traffic light on a crowded street in St. Augustine, Florida, three black-clad bikers waited in front of me. Pedestrians walked across the road. The light changed, and an elderly man in a wheelchair tried to maneuver across the bumps. He pushed with his feet but could not get to the curb. 

            One biker left his motorcycle and pushed the man to the sidewalk while traffic waited. 

            My heart smiled at his act of kindness. People who walked beside the elderly gentleman ignored him. The person who was perceived as the most unlikely candidate to help didn’t hesitate.

            While I watched the encounter, I thought of the Good Samaritan who was also the least likely to stop that day. No fanfare or desire for recognition.  But they both did what they could without thinking of themselves. 

            Probably some people looked at the trio in front of me as rough and scary. But I observed kindness and compassion.

            No one honked or yelled for him to move when the light turned green. He jumped on his Harley after he completed his good deed and took off. 

            Hopefully, other onlookers remember what he did and want to emulate him as I do.  

Heavenly Father, we may see people who look different from us and who don’t fit our acceptable images. Show us how to look at the heart and not outward appearances. Amen

Indistinct But Perky Birds

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

Cool breezes tickled my face when I stepped onto my patio. Days ago, freezing temperatures altered my garden by transforming most of it into ugly brown. 

            Leaves and flowers drooped. Once colorful blooms begged to be taken out of their misery. 

            As pink colored the sky, shadowy, bare trees appeared along my lakefront. In the distance birds cawed, tweeted, and trilled. 

            Only feet from my porch, instead of seeing a lush, green oak tree, I easily saw the sky through its nearly bare limbs.

            A cluster of tiny birds danced among the branches. Their dark feathers blended in with the scattered leaves. Despite the gloomy scene, they chirped a delightful tune. In the dim light, I couldn’t distinguish their true colors nor identify their species. 

            Even though occasionally, they visited my garden, a larger group flew in to enjoy the day. 

            After a weekend of vertigo, the chipper creatures presented me with a gift. They ignored the ugliness of dead and dying foliage around them. The lack of leaf cover didn’t deter them from visiting. They flapped their wings, chirped, and danced among the limbs. 

            The sun rises each morning on my year, whether it is beautiful or dismal and freeze-affected. I can choose to focus on what was damaged or find delightful surprises despite the destruction.

            We can focus on what we have lost or find comfort in the miracles that can come even in adversity. 

            As the sun rose, the wee visitors disappeared. However, their appearance reminded me of God’s provision. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for not leaving us even in our trials. When we think you are gone, help us see you in unexpected ways.

Amen

A Mysterious Masterpiece

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Because chilly weather and a crummy cold kept me inside for a few weeks, my lakeside retreat brought joy and surprises when I finally emerged. Everything seemed new and fascinating. 

            Limbs on nearly naked cypress trees stretched to the sky. Normally hidden nests, snuggled on high boughs. 

            Dew drops sparkled on green grass and other foliage. Pink blooms dotted an azalea plant. Tiny waves wrinkled the dark lake. In the distance, a bird warbled a morning tune. 

            Along the shoreline, bare trees mingled with evergreens. The winter Florida scene, though less colorful than other seasons, revealed its own unique beauty. 

            Bordering my patio, orange flowers caught my eyes. A few stalks of the hearty specimen retained their summer beauty. Another lovely surprise captured my attention. 

            A mysterious sparkle appeared at the tip of one stem. A spider’s unique creation encircled the drab green vegetation. Its delicate web formed a crystal-like lacework which connected several stalks. The bowl-shaped cobweb glittered in the morning sunlight. 

            Even though I had observed many lovely webs, none compared to its complexity and beauty. Up close and without the sunshine, there was little luster, and it certainly didn’t stand out. 

            If I had stayed inside or only studied my books, the spectacular display would have passed unnoticed. I would have missed the spider’s masterpiece. The spider had disappeared, but its creation remained for me to enjoy. 

            In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts that God provides around us. Perhaps it is a sunset, flowers, or people we love. If we are so focused on daily tasks, our problems, or dwelling in the past, we fail to delight in how God is working around us in both small and large ways. 

Creator, thank you for providing surprise miracles for us to enjoy. Help us take time to appreciate all we have and what you have done for us.

Amen

A Little But Powerful Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew 5:14-15  NIV

Years ago, candles frequently burned in my home. After doctors diagnosed Alan’s lung condition, cabinets held my supply.. Their odors and flames were not compatible with his diseased lungs and oxygen supply. 

            Recently, when my granddaughter, Molly, wanted a new candle, I offered for her to check my collection. Then I decided it was time to start using them again. 

            While stuck on the couch with a cold, I decided to bring light to a dreary day. A red candle in a glass case glowed in the dim room. 

            The flame danced back and forth. Then it rose above the top of the container. Even though I felt no breeze, something made the fire move gracefully. 

            The tiny blaze fascinated me with its constant movements in the darkened room. My eyes remained on the delightful show. 

            The taper reminded me that as Christians, we are to be beacons in a dark world. We might flicker and be pushed back and forth by difficult situations but not extinguished. If we live for Jesus, we will shine so that those in the world will see we are different because of Him.  

Lord, show us how to live as a bright light in darkness. Give us strength to remain strong even when those around us are consumed by the world. Guide us each day to be more like you.

Amen

Unappreciated Roles

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[ did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[d] (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)

 

Conflicting thoughts swirled in Joseph’s head after Mary’s scandalous announcement. Never had he imagined Mary would betray him and become pregnant. As hurtful as the news had been, Joseph didn’t seek revenge but decided to quietly divorce her. 

            The disturbing situation brought restless sleep. Then an intense dream appeared. 

            An angel spoke to Joseph. “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She’s not pregnant from another man but miraculously from the Holy Spirit. Name Him Jesus who will save His people.”

            With no argument, Joseph obeyed even when it was difficult. Neighbors whispered when Mary’s condition became apparent. Unwelcome stares greeted the couple from villagers.

            Joseph knew their arduous journey to Bethlehem would be hard for Mary. When they finally arrived, crowds flooded the village. Anxiously, he searched for suitable accommodations, but none could be found. Finally, a room with the animals was offered to the weary couple. Although it wasn’t what he hoped for, the young man was thankful to find a place where Mary could rest and deliver her precious son.  

            A marvelous birth occurred when Jesus entered our world on that glorious night. Angels, wise men, shepherds, and Mary were prominent characters in the Christmas story.

            Even though little is written about Joseph’s obedience, faithfulness, and determination in carrying out God’s plan, he was chosen to be the earthly father and played an unassuming but significant role. 

            We encounter people who faithfully and quietly serve with little recognition. Sometimes we may feel unappreciated or unnoticed. But we can all still be an important participant in God’s purpose.

Lord, help us to obey when it is hard or when we feel ignored. Some people are in the spotlight and others in supporting roles. Show us how all are important. 

Amen