Monday, May 20, 2013

Strawberry blossoms

Strawberry blossoms. senk 2013
Strawberry blossoms still linger on the plants near the kids' sand and water table. Most of them are now small ecru-ish green fruits that seem to double in size every time I look at them. And several are blushing under the sun's attentions.

As I dream of strawberry waffles or berry-filled crepes with a sifting of soft sugar, I also consider the aesthetic enjoyment I have had from my plants. So often, we are so focused on the final form or the most emblematic purpose of something, that we forget to look for a spot to sit and simply enjoy the process of "becoming." Now, I'm not talking about sexual beauty. Hollywood and media focus so much on that, it really is quite degrading. In American culture, we too often forget there is a beauty beyond youthful splendor and vigor. There is a beauty that drenches the soul and resonates with those heartfelt realities - like the scintillating laugh of a tickled toddler or the purr-like reflex mumbled while nibbling a well-made meal or the plump tears that tread trails of empathetic emotion from face to face during those numbing life events.

Do you recognize those moments, friend? They're the ones tucked in your memory - maybe swept aside, but not forgotten when we really stop and think. Often, they are jumbled amid the routine of day and tossed here-and-there by time's torrential progression... which makes stopping along the way to savor life's beautiful presence so much more important.

So, friend, find a bench or a stoop or a cozy spot of grass, and savor unrealized moments in your daily life that God has woven there. Dare to really look into the eye of a stranger and proffer a radiant smile; think compassionately before you speak; stifle your own fears and invite someone to walk more slowly and more intentionally with you today. You'll be thankful for the spirit-filled fruits that develop, and so will others.

1 comment:

  1. OH MY HOW DEEP! I was actually made to think about hanging out with the boys when they are particularly screamy, demanding, and angry -- or when they fight...or refuse to potty train...etc. Those times when I find myself wondering how easy it will be when they're just a few years older. In this context...and this is transferable to other contexts...this inability to see the moment is actually dangerous.

    Thanks, sweety for reminding us all!

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