The lazy waters take a right angled turn. Branches of white ash bend gracefully toward the water. A flash of brilliant red—a male cardinal flies, lighting on branches across the water. He perches 15 feet above the water, secure on his leafy bench, trilling to attract his mate. I sit on a stone bench nestled between the trees. The natural beauty of the arboretum wraps me in a cocoon of peace.
To my right, I see the fence at the edge of the arboretum and hear the roar of cars as they rush past. I return my focus to the still waters, the deep browns and greens of the forest. I observe evidence of man at this place: a small white gazebo with shake shingles, a garden of pink, purple and white tulips, their double blooms resembling peonies.
Across the park a mower drones, keeping the grass trim. Between my stone bench and the water, 12 feet or so, the ground rushes down to meet the pond. Soft with 100 years of leaves, bark and pine needles, the ground supports the green ground cover and provides a soft walkway.
Greedily, I drink in the beauty and serenity of this place and ignore the traffic outside. I choose to slow down for a few moments and ignore the calls of the world beckoning to me. The more I drink in this beauty, the more I can recall and take home with me. When my world rushes around me, I can choose to look at God’s beauty all around and within me and focus on it, for it is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? I choose my focus.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Father, thank you for the beauty of Your creation. Keep my mind focused on that beauty and on You.
Growing Our Faith Together 