It was one of those gorgeous days here in Burnsville, Minnesota.
It was about 68 spectacular degrees with a pure blue sky, draped with wispy
clouds reminiscent of angel’s wings and a slow breeze that wafted the scents of
lilac, crabapple, and apple blossoms through the sunlit trees that seemed to
shake with laughter as the wind rippled through the branches. I could not help
but sigh in sheer delight as I walked the sidewalk in my neighborhood.
The best part is that other Minnesotans also come out of
their cold weather shells of Teflon and wave and smile and enjoy each other! I
met one gentleman who simply sat on his deck swing and pushed it back and
forth. When I said, “Hello,” he smiled and asked, “How are you?” When I
replied, “Good; how are you?” He laughed and said, “I’m feeling very…stressed.”
It was such a glorious moment to see him truly lost in the beauty and
opportunity of sheer rest.
Then, there was the little girl that burst out of her front
door and shouted at the top of her lungs, “Good morning, World!” (It was
6:30pm). I could not help but answer back, “Good morning!” A short time later,
I heard her say, “Who said that?” I caught her eye and waved vigorously. She
responded in kind with a heartfelt wave of her own.
Finally, there was the older couple, shuffling down the
sidewalk in front of me, holding hands and lost in their own private
conversation. Nothing speaks of faithfulness and intimacy like a pair of clasped hands that
have seen years of time together and have remained intimate and steadfast
throughout the turbulence of life.
In the glory of this simple walk, I saw such beauty and such
wonder that it took my breath away. I could not imagine a more perfect
depiction of the rest, joy, and intimacy that God has created for us and desires
for us! He has created this magnificent playground that we call Earth for us!
How great a God He is and how astounding, beautiful, and good!
May the beauty of the spring fill you with a renewed spirit
and desire to seek after the Lord!
