Is this autumn going to continue to be stupendous, glorious, wonderful, enjoyable? Should I be touching wood at this point? Yep I touched my noggin’ so we are good to go. My goodness the weather has been crazy beautiful. Even the rain has been light, fine, gentle. I feel and pray for our southern neighbour in particular near the Florida area. The prayers are in full swing for all those affected. Each day so far including way back in June, the weather has been unusually lovely. Is this setting us up for what?
So next steps. You betcha. I got my new winter tires on my truck yesterday. No. I am not saying the “s’ word. Nada. But I am saying with a slight hesitation in the question “what is the next season going to bring us?” I mean all that is holy and wondrous the autumn season has been spectacular in its delivery of colour, cloud formation, still waters, warm breezes, extended warm temperatures, and a palette of never ending beauty. Yes, I see signs of a carpet of fallen leaves with its crunching sound underneath while traipsing the hills and valleys and hidden trails across the countryside. Yes, I have mitts, hat, and thick coat on for morning walk. And yes there was sleet hitting the window last night.
But the camera does not lie. For each day I awaken to a beauty day with the sunkiss on the water (or the ominous presence of moving greyish white clouds), the ducks quack quacking away, blue heron standing still in the shallow marsh and the blend of russet golden reeds of grass afloat in the nearby marsh. Oh that it is testament to God’s creation bursting its seasonal fall flavours with chaotic organized disarray. Even when walking the day and night of Buchard gardens delight, the wild sidelines and shores of PEI’s natural ambiance of land and water….my breath pauses. How does one capture what the eye doth actually see?
Somewhere I have read to put the camera away. What does that even mean? I think I get it somewhat. For you are not present when you are focused behind the lens on an experience that should be fully enjoyed. Where is the dance? The joie to vie? The baby’s first step moment. Not behind the lens. It is a fragile balance to be told. For the lens does not encapsulate what the naked eye can fully see and it certainly can not bring back that instant.
This past Sunday, the church I attend had a mass for children. My granddaughter came with me which would be her first time in my church. Holy moly she brought tears to my eyes. I could see the awe and wonder as she took in the ambiance and setting of this sacred space. Taking in the gestures, the rituals, the invitations to participate. Her head swivelled noting things that I have not really paid attention to.
She is at an age where she wants to be able to sing and read by herself. LOL. Miss independence. But regardless of not being able to, my eyes glistened as she accepted the invitation to join the pastor up on the altar while he included the small group of children in what he was doing. This precious little girl held the hand of her neighbour and partaking in everything. My heart burst. In that moment, I wanted my camera. But I did not. So I saw. I felt. I witnessed. Bless her little big heart. No need for her to have a camera.
The realization that some things are to be experienced even if post card worthy. It is a poignant reminder how fleeting moments can be. In that, I think of discernment in which attendance is being sought. The attendance of the heart and soul coming in to spiritually nourish me in the here and now. Am I going to put away my camera? Not on your life. My memory needs help for goodness sake. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for the gifts we are given in this life lived. Amen.
Karenpondering 