Daily Archives: May 12, 2016

My mind is cluttered with all the things that I haven’t done yet. I hope that makes sense. I do have one more item checked off my list and that is a good feeling. No, actually I have two items crossed off. The first being the promise to myself to go to the Madison Arboretum during the lilac’s prime blooming period. And today was the day. I can always tell when the perfect day comes because our lilacs in our yard bloom right on schedule with the Arboretum lilacs.

Awakened this morning to sunshine, blue skies, and beautiful white puffy clouds. And I knew this was the day. I didn’t know how Dave would feel about it though as I know he is so busy working in the yard and does not like too much to interfere with that at present. He suggested we drive separately to the gym because he was ready to go and I still had a few things to do before leaving. That’s all the encouragement I needed. He hurriedly left so he could get back sooner, I dawdled and finished my tidying up in the kitchen. (I DO NOT LIKE COMING BACK TO AN UNTIDY KITCHEN!) And then I left with a lilt in my step because I knew my solo trip to view the lilacs would be ever so much more enjoyable without Dave looking at his watch every few minutes.

And it was! I had a delightful time, all alone, just me and my cell phone camera. The Arboretum is about 6 to 8 miles from home. It is about ¼ mile south of a busy Madison freeway thoroughfare that runs east and west. If it weren’t for all the noise due to the traffic hum, and the buzz of neighboring businesses, it would probably be the most beautiful place in Madison. I am so much more attuned to the hum of traffic and the noise pollution of machines and businesses than I was before God healed my hearing. I never regret being able to hear, now that I have adjusted to more noise in my life, but some days I would just love to turn the noise off. However, even above the din of man-made noise I could still hear the birds singing. And that was awesome.

The lilacs cover acres of beautifully groomed grounds interspersed with trees in full bloom at this time of year. The overwhelming fragrance of the blossoms of all the lilacs and trees was intoxicating. I went from bush to bush and buried my face in the blossoms and inhaled the heady perfume that permeated the air. I discovered that each variety of lilac has a different scent from that of its neighbor. I also discovered that the lighter colored blossoms had a lighter, less over powering aroma. The darker the blossom, the more powerful its cologne. I will include some photos. The darkest blossom had my most favorite lilac scent.

To sum it up, this morning was a beautiful experience. For the last week I have been waiting and longing for the perfect day to go and walk among the cloying, over abundant, heady perfume. Going alone was wonderful and it felt as if I were enjoying a bit of heaven on earth. This exercise in solitude is part of my long ranged blueprint to make certain I am not scattered or lost in the shuffle of life. This morning gave me opportunity to take time to LIVE! My work is still here waiting, but the blossoms will soon be gone. And as the years fly by, my opportunity to walk amongst such startling splendor here on earth, will also be gone. My advice for others today: LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT IS YOUR LAST, AND LIVE EVERYDAY DAY AS IF YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER. Because, when you have the Lord living in your heart, you will live forever!

NATURE’S GRACE

By Kathleen Martens

May 12, 2016

Exquisite beauty with startling grace

How can it be?

Unless it’s the fragrance of heaven

Reaching out to me.

Delicate arrangements

By nature’s hand

Grown in such mystery

Upon the land.

Amazing wonder

In illusive design.

Only the idea of God

Could purpose it so fine.

Tint of the blossom

In astounding detail

The evidence of perfection,

Never does it fail.

And my mind is calmed,

My soul is soothed.

My heart sings,

And my spirit is moved.

And I thank My God

For such astounding glory

In using the lilacs

To share part of His story.

Today I communed with God as I walked through the breathtaking beauty. It is well with my soul.

God, thank You for lilacs.

Lord, thank You for fragrance.

And most of all, thank You for today.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

P.S. Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you. The other accomplishment I succeeded in doing today was going to the nursery to buy my geraniums for my outdoor pots. All in all, it was a satisfying day.

Song of Solomon 2:12 “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come…”