Small Moments, Big Magic
There must be some science to the supernatural calm accessible through time spent at the water’s edge. My brain cannot do the maths of it…nor does it desire to make sense of why…the rolling ripples and reflected light, the deep set seaweed and shallow sky, the satin breeze on the skin, and an animated ecosystem should so combine in a recipe of respite that is triage for the tortured soul. But for it all, I am grateful.
An Uncommon Prayer: Thanksgiving for the Water’s Edge
When I kick my slippers away (desperate to feel anything, really) I am thankful for the cool welcome of grass at my heels and insteps and toes; body to breathing, beating earth. Grounded. The healthy fear of something biting these feet if I let them dangle off the pier—a snapping, leaping, creature of my imagination, but never the fluffy lapping hound whose owner lets him walk on in there, an indication that the lake floor is nearer than supposed—amuses me.
Praise for St. Augustine grass, for the shallows, and for make-believe piranha.
Praise that I can still laugh at myself.
I whisper praise for the tiny island in the distance, a miniature uncharted expanse, where a giant snowy egret blithely ignores two figures floating lazily by in a conspicuous rubber boat. I am blessed to watch the sky blush to pink and orange then gradually fade to silver above them. I am grateful for the nearest thing to silence and for every twinkling light on shore. I am happy—as the light dims—for shadowy remembrances of home: in the chirp of crickets in the underbrush, the rough, textured wood beneath my thighs, even for the mosquito quietly kissing my palm till I chase away his advances.
Praise for color, light, art, and science. Praise for the lands I love and for a sound mind.
Praise for the inhale as much as for the exhale.
[The boating park has a sign that reads ‘Closed dusk to dawn.’]
I whisper gratitude for the discerning attendant who pretends he does not see me, or perhaps that he does not know the definition of dusk. The couple in the shadows baiting twilight benefits also. When his lights flash against the portico the second time, I comply, thanking him for giving me this little reprieve. But I’m appreciative in hindsight for boundaries that call us to moderation, for the awareness that ‘everything’ can amount to nothing and ‘just enough’ may be more than enough.
With one last look, I am grateful for a lone, brilliant orb that for a brief beat of the heart is a star connecting me to home. Then the freeze frame is over. As it turns toward its destination, I turn toward my own—home as well—and whisper thanks once more. It feels like rain is coming.
Praise for the unnamed guard, for boundaries, and for boundless definitions of ‘home’.
Praise for the scent of rain and the pleasure of pause.
An Offering: A Gift That’s Also a Reminder
On my walk to the boating park, I passed some flowers and had to take a photo. I used it as inspiration for some DIY art therapy when I needed a little pick-me-up recently.
The most remarkable display of creative genius known to mankind—Creation itself—was poised on the edge of a pause. The collective anticipation is palpable in Genesis 1:2 as the Godhead slowed on the water’s edge to consider a formless and void earth. It feels intentional. It beckons me to step back from my own canvases, and challenges—just a moment for consideration, careful thought, counted cost. From that place anything is possible: ideas, and miracles, and wonders. Creativity blooms from pause.
So, pause for creativity. Want, nay, need a reminder to slow down and smell the hibiscus ever so often? As a gift, here’s my ink and watercolor wash sketch as a printable/framable 6x4 inch digital file or as a phone wallpaper.
Overheard
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; - Psalm 23:2-3
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive. - Eleonora Duse
Thanks so much for reading!
Simply beautiful. I felt like I was right there with you experiencing the joy and rejuvenation of the pause.
This piece brings a feeling of completion. That place where one can say I have eaten and I am satisfied or the fulfilling of a craving without gluttony. Just the right measure of effervescent joy 😊 . That place we all long to be at the end of a hectically productive day! Sighhhhh!!!! Relief!!!!!!! Smiles!!!!!! Introspection!!!! Giggles!!!!!!! Sighhhhh!!!!! Peace in peaceful places where tiny fears makes us chuckle and the stealth waters make us go deep as the sunset glistens upon it and gently kisses the cheeks with its perfected warmth !!! That place!!!