I have visited a certain cabin in a certain location at a certain time of year for the past few years. The weather is generally cooperative—what I call “sweatshirt” weather. Early enough in spring that the bugs aren’t out yet, but warm enough to go outside and walk the trails. Cool enough to enjoy a robust fire in the evenings.
On my recent visit, I noted the usual evidence of wildlife on the trails—mostly deer and rabbit tracks. Squirrels were out in abundance. A hawk casually floated above me, monitoring my presence. I startled a wild turkey—which in turn, startled me (man—those birds move fast)!
There were new trails marked out that I hadn’t seen before. I took one which led through a ravine. Signs were posted along the way, with quotes about the beauty of nature and the God who made it.
One sign read, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Just beyond the sign, off the trail, was a little stone bench. Inviting the hiker to sit and absorb the beauty…to stop and smell the roses. So, I walked over and sat down. At my feet was a sweet little blue Dutch iris! Not visible from the trail. You had to walk over to the bench to see it. What a little treasure! I smiled, enjoying my reward…
And I was glad I’d decided to stop a moment. This also prompted me to stop at the next stone bench a bit further down the trail—and here, there were clusters of Dutch irises. Someone had intentionally planted them, to make the stop worthwhile.
And I wondered— in my day-to-day push to get to the end, do I miss little treasures along the way? Because of my own haste and drive to mark things off of my to-do list? Things that my gracious Heavenly Father has intentionally planted along my path to make the “interruptions” or “delays” worthwhile. I want to stop and smell the roses (or the irises), to count my blessings. To be still and know that He is God.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)
I want to look with fresh eyes.