Friday, June 26, 2020

Refreshment In A Patch of Nature

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay


" Nature is the art of God. "
DANTE ALIGHIERI


English author Jane Austen once said that 'to sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment.' Oh yes, I totally agree and understand her sentiment, for we saw fields just like the ones above when we visited England a few summers ago. A person is drawn to its tranquility. When I sit in our backyard surrounded by all the green of grass and tree and plant, I feel the same quietude; something settles deep on the inside and breathes out a great sigh of contentment - now this is life as it ought to be. For in that moment everything is right in the world, and the soul is at rest.



Image by Brenda @ It's A Beautiful Life


"How beautiful peonies are. That long border
of them—so proud and yet so beautifully fragile."
MISS JANE MARPLE, Nemesis


Yesterday afternoon I had a chance to sit in my own little bit of nature in the front garden. I took along my mystery novel Nemesis by Agatha Christie, but with the sun warm on my arms and the wind little more than a gentle zephyr in the trees, I believe I nodded off, just like dear Miss Marple, as she rested in some lovely old garden during her Famous House and Garden tour. 

Gentle noises in the neighbourhood made my head pop up. Young fellows were heading out for a bike ride, some folks were out in their yard, and one willowy teen, who appeared to be conscripted to edge the lawn, was halfhearted in her attempt. In no great hurry, every once in a while she'd drop her edging tool and whip out her smartphone for a quick scroll. Deeply relaxed in my rattan chair, I smiled; I could certainly relate to her lack of deep interest for any great effort on such a languid afternoon. I notice the peonies are opening—a snap of colour amongst the green. And my, how graceful and elegant are those tall grasses as they sway in the breeze, bending forwards and backwards. I cannot decide if they are ballerinas or aerobic instructors; either way they are mesmerizing to watch.


Image by Brenda @ It's A Beautiful Life


" In all things of nature there is
something of the marvelous. "
ARISTOTLE 


In recent weeks, I have experienced a whole new appreciation for nature as I watched winter fade into spring into summer. And, with our lives lived so close to home, I seem to be much more in tune with what is going on in my own yard and garden. Paying closer attention to the unfolding of new blossoms on the Ivory silk lilac or buds forming on the delphiniums. And what a jolt of joy to catch a small bumblebee buzzing early in the morning in something purple. It has been good for my soul. A real godsend in these upside down times.


Image by Brenda @ It's A Beautiful Life

Lately, I have also been thinking about those words found in Psalm 23: 'The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want; He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul...'. When my soul needs tending, these refreshing words are one of my go-to places. To me, it gives such a wonderful picture - the Shepherd leading a weary soul to a place of peace and beauty. For he knows just how restorative a patch of earth and a bit of water can be to our well being. We instinctively gravitate to the restfulness of green grass, a meadow or pasture where wildflowers grow. Who hasn't laid on the grass as a child, either face down staring at a blade where maybe an ant crawls up, or gazing up at a summer sky, searching for horses and poodles in the puffy clouds.



Image by Janyka Mitchell from Pixabay



"When life overwhelms us with all its demands
and problems, we can find moments of tranquility
and happiness by looking at nature. A beautiful landscape can
invigorate our souls and restore our energies, making us
realize that happiness lies in simple pleasures."
FROM SPIRITBUTTON.COM



Not everyone is able to sit in a garden or beside a quiet stream, or lay down in a field of wild flowers, but it is possible to create a sense of it in some small way. Finding our own bit of nature—even a pot of herbs on a balcony or a single blossom in a vase, a landscape painting on our wall—can give us a space where our eyes can alight, where our thoughts can rest a moment. Nature surely goes a long way in this restoring process, and for those of us who follow Him, we know it is the Shepherd of our souls who adds the touch of the divine that ultimately restores our souls to wholeness. 


* * *

Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
May your days be verdant and restful.

Heart Hugs,
Brenda
xox





17 comments:

  1. How very lovely, from the first image to the last word. I have to say though, that beautiful image from what I imagine is the UK ... is no more extravagantly gorgeous than the absolutely stunning views The Cowboy and I drank in on our drive home from SK yesterday. What a beautiful country, beautiful province, we are privileged to inhabit!! Definitely restored my soul.

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    1. Yes, Joy, there is great beauty in every corner of the world. We have some stunning views right here in our own country, it's so true!

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  2. What a cozy read...how pleasant your time in the garden was. (I hope the teenager was able to complete her task well.)

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  3. I am counting the tomatoes on my balcony and watching the hummingbirds visit the flowers. All is peaceful.

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  4. Another restful post. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and these beautiful pictures! I live in a suburban area but we are still surrounded by green. I feel blessed.

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  5. A simply lovely way to spend summer hours. I feel much the same way in my garden, fully content and settled in mind and body.

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  6. Beautiful. “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, then anyplace else on earth.” I cannot remember who said that. I believe it is part of a little poem i once read.

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  7. What a lovely, peaceful, inspiring post.

    "we know it is the Shepherd of our souls who adds the touch of the divine that ultimately restores our souls to wholeness." Oh so true, and being in His creation leads us to Him in so many different ways. Thanks for this post.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  8. Brenda, such a perfectly beautiful post from beginning to end. I love your opening quote, "Nature is the art of God." Such true words. I have solved many problems over the years, with my hands in the earth. My garden has been my dear and special friend and seems to be so, now more than ever, during our troubled times.

    Again, a lovely post. Wishing you a lovely weekend, my friend.❤

    ps. I must compliment your beautiful peony, I wouldn't want her to feel left out. She is a beauty and a glorious shade of pink.

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  9. Yes, nature has a restfulness about it.

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  10. There is scientific evidence that nature has health benefits.

    A bumblebee buzzing around my back porch has propelled me indoors a few times. HA!

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  11. Ah the cool greenness of nature. I have to get up early to enjoy cool mornings as it already 70 degrees at 6 am before the sun comes up.

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  12. Love your post. Nature is always da BEST !
    =^x^=

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  13. Brenda I always find peace and joy when I visit you. Yes I often picture our wonderful Shepherd leading me in green pastures. Hope you are still sabotaging summer. Have a delightful week. Hugs!

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  14. Thank you for taking us along to your garden of tranquility. The feeling I get when I read your words, calm me down. My blood pressure, my brain, my heart all say, THANK YOU !❤

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  15. Beautiful, Brenda. I have also discovered a new appreciation for gardens in recent months. I've always loved gardens and flowers, they are one of my happy places, but being in lockdown and cut off from nature and walks, they have become essential to me. I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately, very busy at work just now, but I wanted to say a special thank you for the comments you've left me, it is a wonderful feeling, being understood.
    Amalia
    xo

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo