A Glorious Tapestry
In search of a solar hug before the turning of the earth ushers in cooler temps and shorter days, I make my way to our beautiful community park. It’s the perfect place to linger under the blue sky, slowing down long enough to live fully in the present. As if receiving a sacred invitation, my heart and soul awaken to the rhythms of life and nature surrounding me, counting every moment as holy.
A trail-side bench overlooking a small pond with a fountain beckons me to come sit a spell. I cozy up and settle into its slatted wooden seat. Soothing sounds of splashing water ripples, while the scent of shedding oaks permeates the park with notes of nutty earth. Radiant heat from the sun slowly penetrates my hoodie as I begin noticing others whose lives are intersecting with mine at this particular time and place. For a brief moment we are woven into the fabric of each other’s story, creating a glorious tapestry of life’s abundant gifts and graces.
An elderly couple walks by, offering a friendly gesture. Both hunched over from the toll the years have taken on their bodies, they each grip a walking stick, almost as tall as they themselves. She is dressed in a red and black flannel shirt, kaki walking pants, and comfortable shoes, ready to take on the soft turf of the bike trails that wind throughout the woods. Her long silver-streaked hair falls from beneath her hat and onto her shoulders. He’s in a tee-shirt and cargo pants, equipped for any adventure they might encounter during their trek around the canopied paths.
Two little bikes and their riders come zooming by, Mom walking behind with an ever-watchful eye. The boys laugh and carry on as they make their way to the playground at the top of the hill. Once they reach their destination, they jump off the bikes, throw their helmets on the ground, and make a beeline for the neon green plastic slides awaiting them. Squeals of pure delight pierce the air. I marvel at all their protective gear and wonder how anyone from my generation ever survived childhood without it.
Two women walk briskly by, the arms of their jackets tied snuggly around their waists. Each is holding onto the end of a leash attached to their furry friends. Deep in conversation, this pair of women have mastered the art of multi-tasking: exercise and tending to the dogs, all while hashing out the realities of life with a trusted companion. Oh, how we need a tight circle of our closest confidants. People who rejoice when we rejoice and weep when we weep. People who spur us on when our knees are weak. They help us get up after we’ve been knocked down.
A family pod comes around the bend and heads over to the trail that runs in front of my people-watching perch. A young adolescent dressed in Gothic black walks way ahead of her sister and parents. It’s as if she doesn’t want to be seen with those whom she considers utterly irrelevant. How can they possibly understand? She looks straight ahead and keeps walking, never looking back to see where they are. Mom, Dad and Sister pass by my bench in silence, and eventually, they all disappear around the next bend.
Off in the distance, football fields prepare for a season full of upcoming football games. Community rivalry at its best. Today, the teams fill the space running drill after drill, play after play. The young middle-school aged boys catch my attention. I can sense their hopeful excitement as they work hard to learn new skills and plays that will outwit their competitors in the months to comes. There’s nothing quite as inspiring as the heart of a young champion.
The elderly couple with the hiking sticks walks by again, this time coming from the opposite direction. They’ve come off the trail and are headed toward the parking lot. The woman looks at me and says, “That was a good hike.” “Are you tired?” asks her husband. “Boy howdy,” is her reply, as she cuts across the grass to take the shortest route back to her car.
What About You?
If you had a favorite spot to sit and notice all the life around you, where would that be?
What value might there be to slowing down and noticing what’s happening around you?
Do you prefer to watch people or nature? Explain why?
How can this simple act of being alert to life increase your awareness of God’s presence in your life?
