I'll never know who else quietly observed the discreet prayer said in the open, but I understood the lesson. We are constantly being shown faithfulness and love, and each moment that we notice and capture in whatever way we can is a gift. A twinkling jewel in our hand that will fade with memory and lose luster in time, but it sparkles for us for a season. The jewels are not rare, they are abundant. Sometimes they are recorded and shared, but more often they are tucked away in our hearts. At the worst times, they go unnoticed and are ignored completely. Lord, help me to notice each one.
Later that same day, our family drove to the beach and showed Little Mister the wonderful ocean for the first time. There, I witnessed and captured many moments of wonder, curiosity, and awe.
Someone was a little surprised to discover that the waves come AT you.
So many discoveries...shells, bits of crab, driftwood, and even a forgotten sand shovel from summer past.
He could have given us one type of treasure, one sweet moment, one type of shell, one color in the sky. He has given us an abundance.
He got the hang of running from the waves.
Oh, and that crazy hat. It's from last year and too small for his head. But it is warm and snug.
Tonight, it is twelve degrees and the wind is blowing. It was the perfect night for soup and grilled cheese. This recipe would work just as well with butternut squash, but I used pumpkin. The garlic and thyme make it very flavorful.
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 scant tsp. salt
3 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 1/2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp.pepper
Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, garlic, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Puree the soup using a stick blender or in batches with a blender/food processor, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Stir in milk or cream, and garnish with parsley.
Your first paragraph took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. You did capture that picture... on a canvas of faith. What a beautiful metaphor.
ReplyDeleteLove the beach story and photos.
Thank you for sharing of your rich inner life. So lovely to be in this world with such a kind-hearted person as you.
Thanks Saloma, for your kind words. What a surprise when I think I have nothing to say and then it all comes out in a way that touches someone else. What a gift to share it with you.
DeleteYou captured the picture of the praying man perfectly. It brought tears to my eyes, too. This was a perfect posting. I love how you take several different subjects, see them all as a related whole, and place them before our eyes so that we, too, see them as all part of the Big Picture - all related.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much BAT Mom. I wasn't sure I could do it justice, and yes, my intent was to tie it in to the bigger picture. Looking for connections in all ways is one of my hobbies. :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful post you have left here. The pictures are wonderful. I love the ocean, its so vast and always makes me feel in awe of my creator. You do have a way with words my friend. I'll say a prayer for the man in the window. Thank you for your prayers for me, I so appreciate them. God bless ♡
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you, Shelley.
DeleteMonica, the words in this post are beautiful, and so are the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, that's extra special coming from a talented photographer!
Delete