I took a walk outside today. I don't believe I have walked in my yard since November. I have been held captive. It's so safe inside my house. Not that I fear going outside. Other than a few red necks down the road (famous red necks I might add..), we live in a quiet peaceful area of South Georgia. A few farm trucks.. a few four-wheelers... and a random stray dog. And of course... us.
But I've been inside. Blinds closed except on random days.
It's been cold. December and January have brought a chill factor that would make a "well diggers hinney" shiver. We haven't experienced the cold that others have .. but for South Georgia, it's been a cold winter.
It's been foggy. I don't mean the typical fog that comes from condensation. I mean the fog that comes from your inners .. I've just wanted to stay inside. Remember, it's safe.
But today, I went outside. The breeze brushed my face and the sun kissed my check. I took my camera... my friend. It was like grasping the hand of a child. Guess which one was the child. It was good.
Picture taking didn't seem to be an option. Walking this dreary landscape was like walking in a theater where nothing but black and white movies play. Dull. Dreary. But yet, the sun was shining. The only thing shining. Front yard... back yard... colorless.
I worked up the courage to take a look at my "herb garden". It's planted to the side of my house and I have always delighted in the fact that I could look at my "herb garden" from my bedroom window. Did I mention there are only two herbs in that garden.... it's turned into a rose garden with a few other interesting characters. This little garden was a summer project by Justin and my mom. A summer adventure.. I've held on to it... even though it now shows the wear and tear of 20 years . It has survived the cold.. the heat.. heavey down pours... and the fog (my fog..)
Much work is needed in that garden. Fall came.. winter is here.. and neglect set in... never clipping.. never grooming. Abandoned. How did I forget to give it a "winter" clipping. Oh yes... I've been safe. Blinds closed. In the fog.
Today my camera.. my friend... became my bird dog. It sniffed out this small splash of color among the death of winter. This little southern belle was attached gracefully to a branch.. from a rose bush given to me by a friend. During the summer this rose bush outshines them all... but winter has not been friendly to my dear friend. However, a small appearance of life, was reaching out and appeared to be holding on every so tightly. Embracing the warmth .. for fear it might soon leave. (yes, thunder in January means frost in May.. at least that what we say in these parts).
It was good to capture this colorful "friend" with the camera today. Had I stayed inside.. I would have missed this glimpse of growth... struggle for significance... desire to maintain. I'm not sure this splash of color will be around very long... February and March can be so cruel. But today, this "friend" was out and embracing a moment of sunshine... waiting on someone like me to find it's beauty.
"Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Gen. 1:11-12
As Christians, sometimes, we do, just like you talked about, we stay "inside." The comfort zones you refer to are safe, and yet, in the world outside, that appears to be dull, dreary and dark, there is color to be found ,there is life to be found, all we have to do is open our eyes and heart. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow I remember doing that herb garden with Justin....we worked really hard and he was so committed to finish the project, even though it was a very very warm day in So. Ga. We made a memory.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jo Ellen, for subscribing to my newsletter...it means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful family you have. I adore that photo. That's a really cleaver title, too. My uncle was Sheriff of a county in Missouri when I was growing up and another was a highway patrolman in the same area. And then we're Christians and I've raised chickens (just for our family) for years...so I'm right there with ya, girl!! Funny!!
Don'tcha' jus' love it that no matter how dreary it seems at times, the beauty finds a way to peek through an' touch us where we need it most? I am truly enjoying your blog.
ReplyDelete~ Yaya
Love this post! Love the way you write too! XOXO
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