The Dragonfly
In the springtime, I work from my “porch office.” Then, as the heat and humidity of summertime in the deep south arrives, I work from my “den office.”
Often while working, I see birds of many species feasting at the feeders just outside the patio doors. Squirrels and chipmunks can be seen scampering across the green grass, followed by our cats, Zero and Hershey, in hot pursuit.
Within my view, I see the fishpond where our largest koi, Ben, is playing in the waterfall. He is rising up out of the water briefly as he does a flip, making a huge splash. I find myself laughing with pure delight.
Next to the fishpond is a vine in full bloom, its trumpet shaped flowers cascading over an arbor. The movement of the hummingbirds catch my attention as they flutter from bloom to bloom, sipping the energizing nectar. I can almost hear the humming of their wings from where I sit.
As you can guess, I would not get much work completed if I did not intentionally stay on task with the work before me. But just as I turn my focus back to my computer, out of the corner of my eye I see our horse Winnie in the pasture at a full gallop. I watch her graceful moves, her muscles glistening in the sun with each stride. She is such a magnificent animal, I find myself awestruck with her beauty.
My main office is filled with computers (yes, more than one!), printers and cutters for various needs, a scanner, and several monitors. The shelves are full of normal office supplies. Usually there is a cup sitting on my desk half full of my morning coffee. (Did I just say that? Half full???) But my office is lacking windows. It was designed this way for a reason. I know why and it is my guess that by now you also know why!
I am creating a logo for a client. As I reach for my graphic pen to begin sketching, I notice my camera sitting on my desk. Did I mention the roses in the Memory Garden are in bloom? I think I should take pictures.
At times like this, I am aware of the need to work. There are deadlines to meet. However, I am compelled by the beauty of God’s handiwork and His creation, so I often find myself moving from the computer to the beautiful outdoors. As I breathe in the fresh scent of nature, the clutter in my mind is blown away by a soothing breath of wind. I feel the gentle breeze as it whispers to my soul, “Be still.” Basking in the sunlight, I find myself inspired, motivated, and my creative spirit is infused with a new fire. And for that very reason, I surrender to the call to leave my computer and enjoy the splendor and beauty I find in God’s magnificent world. Eventually, I return to my computer. Now it feels more like play because I am rejuvenated! My heart and soul are refreshed! God restores me for His plan and His purpose.
I am not afraid to take a break even when I am facing deadlines. I covet the refreshing I find as God renews my spirit! Often it is during that time I find the inspiration I need to complete the task.
Perhaps you find yourself in the middle of a daunting task, a deadline, or just everyday chores. I encourage you to take time to allow God to restore you. When we enjoy His handiwork, we find that even in the midst of a storm of life, the grass becomes greener and the sky a beautiful shade of blue. Our world goes from shades of gray to the beautiful colors of the rainbow!
Psalm 104:1-35 (ESV) “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire. He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.”
Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV) “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
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Sandi,
Too frequently, I allow that which seems urgent at the time to blind me to the blessings that are mine. Thank you for the reminder to stop each day and bask in God’s goodness and beauty that surrounds me.
Tina Marie
Thank you, Tina! I appreciate your sweet comment. And also, thank you for stopping by to visit at my “digital home!”