All things bright and beautifulBy Reina Free
This morning, after having been quite unwell for some time, I was back on my early morning walk along Kings Lane. In the Arthur Stewart-Liberty Nature Reserve, thousands of sunflowers were smiling towards the just-rising sun. Their beauty overwhelmed me and quite took my breath away.
Among them are other flowers of several varieties in mauve, soft blue, white and yellow. Thistles will attract large flocks of goldfinches and maybe also the bullfinch. How very wonderful of Mrs Stewart-Liberty to set aside this large field as a nature reserve in memory of her late husband. Even when the flowers have faded and died, the beauty, although different, is still there.
I consider myself greatly blessed that, each and every morning, I am thrilled about the many things of creation, both large and small. Like squirrels running after each other along the branches. The amusement of a cat chasing a squirrel who made the weirdest of sounds. The honeysuckle, no longer in bloom, now with red berries like the wild rose; just one solitary flower celebrating the last weeks of summer. The hazelnuts, almost ripe, later on being collected and stored by wise little creatures for when the cold of winter comes. Here is a lesson that could be learnt by many.
What a relief that in the first week of September our farmers were able to harvest the wheat, oats and barley. Suddenly the sun was back – such an unexpected gift after so much rain. In the now empty field, I see a buzzard catching a mouse; he flies away when he sees me, taking the mouse with him. I look at the sky towards Church Farm, The Lee pale blue, pink orange, incredibly beautiful.
This small world is, for me, such a blessing, so encouraging, so full of hope. It means to me, no matter what, all things are under God’s control. I know I have said this before; the seasons still run their course and will continue as He wills.
In the distance I see my house. The new day is ours and I am ready to take it in my stride, whatever it may bring. Thank you God.