But I had some time before my next event so I took a chance and wandered in. There were paths winding through foliage of many varieties...from formal trimmed hedges to lush meadow grasses, and persistent perennials. Brightly colored blooms still peeked out between sculptures, lights, bridges, and stone walls.
The quiet beauty of the morning was interspersed with laughter from a group of grade school kids on a field trip as I meandered my way through, enjoying the sun on my back. It sparked joy as I strolled past ponds, arbors, and sunken gardens.
I entered the tower garden where the flowing waterfalls and bubbling fountains caught my attention. It was peaceful to my soul to be in this place. I was thanking God for all the beauty and the ambience.
In the herb garden there were workers spreading mulch. The earthy smells reminded me how I enjoy a garden well cared for. I picked a sprig of lavender and put it to my tongue. I touched and smelled the chocolate mint, then a plant that smelled like peanut butter, and finally the sage, each fragrance crisp and familiar in the cool morning air.
Suddenly, joy surged within me and tears filled my eyes. All my senses were awakened -- the chilly air yet warm sun, the bubbling waters, the glistening pools, brightly colored blooms, and now the zesty and aromatic herbs! "God, you are so good to me!"
I sensed that He was near and happy I was delighting in these gardens. This was not a mistake at all... It was not random that I ended up here. It felt like a divine appointment to take the time to enjoy the beauty God is still creating every day!
It reminded me that He is faithful to guide us where He wants us to go. Long ago, He walked with His people in the garden -- and I now had a strong sense I was on holy ground as He was present with me in this one.
My eye caught the bench in the picture above. The tools resting on it signified a work in progress. Old plant life had been trimmed, uprooted and cleaned away to preserve the beauty and prepare for the next season. It gave me peace as I thought of God pruning and preparing me for whatever season would be next in my life.
He is here, He is with me, and He has a beautiful plan... My part is to abide in Him, to trust Him, and to fully engage as I watch it unfold.
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