If Only Lane

I love long drives through the countryside.  

Being able to take the time to meander along,

at a leisurely pace, is a gift from our Father.

However, some roads should never be traveled.

If Only Lane is one thoroughfare that must be avoided.  

Learn to watch for the signs and steer clear of the area.

That road is dangerously rutted and littered with deep potholes.

It leads to a popular campground with trails to explore.

I accidently started down that road this morning.

I quickly turned around and got out of there.

I did not take any pictures to remember the trip.

Some travels should never be shared.

Prospects

How I choose to define my morning 

will shape my attitude and my actions.

I’ve decided to ignore the urge 

to settle for dismal expectations

and will purposefully embrace tranquility.

The view out of my window is not depressing.

I’m not stuck with a hopeless day.

My prospects are not inadequate.

The atmosphere is peaceful.

A calm, quiet morning is refreshing.

After all, it’s only a rainy day.

Regal Neighbor

My eyes were drawn to a very old, gangly looking,

tall pine with a few spindly dead branches

dispersed throughout the heavy laden, droopy tree. 

Its large pine cones were dwarfed by the majestic hawk

perched on the forth branch down on the right. 

I grabbed my binoculars and settled down

to watch, and enjoy, the delightful gift of time

with a regal neighbor. 

His stillness calmed my soul.

Captured Thought

I love to paint.

I love to try to capture a mood or an abstract thought.

I give myself permission to play and explore.

The creative process is exciting, challenging, and rewarding.

I’m learning to relax and just enjoy each step of discovery.

One important procedure is critical.

I must seal my work to protect and preserve my heart’s expressions.

Life is like that, too.

LORD, teach me something new today

and seal your word in my heart.

Amusing Antics

If birds drink caffeine, then these need to cut back.

Robins are bouncing around in the trees.

The gathering flock loudly announces their arrival.

They must be very excited to be here.

They seem to be playing a game.

The bird that has perched on every branch first

must be the winner.

Their antics are amusing.

Starting the day with a laugh is a gift from God.

Cold Raindrops

I notice the raindrops clinging to the window and the screen.

I gaze through them to the landscape beyond.

What I focus on determines what mood I embrace.

Today, I choose to allow the cold rain to give me the day off.

I thank God for a warm place to snuggle down with a good book

and  time to explore someone else's view of the world.