Near my home, there is a lake surrounded by an incredible meandering walking and biking trail. Trees and wildlife are in abundance and restful swinging benches overlook the water at many junctures.
Each season presents its unique breathtaking colors and scents. The last few weeks, have brought a sense of awakening and new hope as I’ve watched the pussy willows pop. I can smell the grass as it begins to show green through brown.
In the summer, when the wind is at bay, the lake is like a huge sheet of glass. Anglers sit patiently in their rowboats near the shores in anticipation of snaring their next bass, crappie, or sunfish. Wildflowers freely grow on the banks and bloom from May through August.
Autumn is my favorite time to walk the trail. On a sunny fall day, there is no better place to enjoy God’s spectacular beauty as displayed in His creation. The colors range from the reds and browns of the oak leaves to the golden hues of the poplar, elm, and wild grapevine leaves. Sumac, which is barely noticeable in the spring and summer, bursts into fire-like flames of red, gold, and orange. The air is pungent with a rich earthy smell of nature about to die once again.
The lake attracts the hardiest of Minnesota residents in the winter. They dress in several layers of insulated clothing and set up tents on the frozen water to fish through holes they have drilled in the ice. Some winters the ice can be as much as three feet deep. After a fresh snowfall, the trail is a velvety white wonderland.
Life is on hold whenever I walk through this glorious place. However, even as I breathe in every sight, sound, and scent of the seasons, I am keenly aware that, at any moment, Minnesota weather can suddenly change without warning. How reminiscent this is of my life. For a season, I can experience amazing joy, hope, and serenity. Then suddenly, without warning, a circumstance brings an unwelcome chill, a dark shadow.
Those of us who live with someone who is chronically mentally or physically ill know that, at any moment, the scene can change from sunny and peaceful to dark and desperate. There will always be less than perfect situations just around the bend, but why should we let that rob us of our present joy?
Much like my coveted walk around the lake, when I bring every thought captive to the beauty before me, I must learn to guard my heart against dreaded future possibilities. I must endeavor to experience fully my present joy and not borrow trouble from tomorrow.
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Thank you for sharing!