Life is a Garden Party

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Between Storms


BETWEEN STORMS

There goes another storm...
heard when thunder roams
across the hills
then raindrops spill.

Passing through
the air cools
then humidity rises
when the sun surprises.

What does the sun bring with it today?
A burst of spring flowers in a bouquet.
Pinks and yellows and whites
always bring much delight.

Each flower adds to the bouquet
emitting springtime fragrance today.
Daffodils which smell spring-fresh
or spicy scented hyacinths.

Today the hardy magnolia burst into bloom
as the morning's sun warmed the earth before noon.
Unfortunately this week's forecasted rains
will cause its snowflake blooms to downward rain.

Can't wait to see pink bleeding hearts on a stem
intermingled with purple globe-shaped alliums
in the same bed with white lily of the valley
identified by their tiny bells so wee.

The dogwood will bloom soon.
Soon will see its pink blooms.
Will two robins build a nest there this year?
If so, I'll be awakened with morning cheer.

Next week the white crab apple will blossom.
Beware! A hive of bees will descend.
Do take a moment to watch them,
a study in pollination.

Should another storm pass through
the dormant grass will change its hue,
while robins search for breakfast
after the storm is past.

In the meantime, pictures are taken
for when another thunder storm threatens
many springtime blooms will be seen bending down,
while others lose their color, turning brown.

* * * * *

Spring storms bring many welcome changes,
though life storms bring life-altering changes.
Yes, life is full of change
so we should not think it strange.
Though change is seldom ever welcomed,
in the end the result is welcomed.
Think of it as one door closing and another opening
or endings giving way to necessary new beginnings.

Life's many surprise storms,
in the form of problems,
will mature us in the end
as they teach us to depend
on God who already has the solution worked out -
to have believing faith and trust, to not give in to doubt.
It's doubt that sees the situation as impossible,
forgetting that with faith in God, all things are possible.

So next time the winds of change storm in
remember that God is with you, He's within.
Your storm is not yours alone
but God's time to perfect, to hone.
Change is meant to grow your faith
as you rely on God's grace
and faithfulness
through each test.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

Though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials,
These have come so that your faith –
of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by fire -
may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor
when Jesus Christ is revealed.
I Peter 1:6-7

He must believe and not doubt,
because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,
blown and tossed by the wind...
he is a double-minded man and
unstable in all he does.
James 1:6,8

All things are possible with God.
Mark 10:27b

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