I love anything cozy. If I could, I’d pull up a chair and nestle into that little nook on the right below. So much shade, breeze, and bounty of spring fragrance all around.
Photo taken on a Lily Pond trail walk at Golden Gate Park, SF.
“Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.”
– Gustave Mahler
From San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers.
Amazing place with beautiful plants, ambiance, and lushness everywhere.
Thank you Cee for hosting this challenge! Always looking for new flowers to share with everyone. https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/59080076/posts/36345
Lately I’ve been reading a book titled A Year with C. S. Lewis: each day gives a short excerpt from one of his many works.
I’ve always been his fan, but understanding his writing is challenging. This new book breaks down his ideas into bite-sized bits, and his writings about Easter is enlightening. When I was a kid, Easter was special because my mom would get me a pretty dress for church service. Ugh, the vanity!
As I’ve matured, Easter is more than a pretty dress. Although I know in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, it’s difficult to understand and wholly embrace (gulp, did I just say that? I grew up a Christianmy whole life). But I know that it’s not possible to humanly understand everything about the mysteries of Easter. There’s a lot of scratching of the head and sighs of guilt that here I am still wondering, questioning, and confused.
But an excerpt from C.S. Lewis’ book was helpful in understanding the meaning of Easter better. I hope his words inspire you!
A little fun with the Easter bunny and first time with no tears
Entrance to DeYoung Museum…Monet exhibit in San Francisco open till early May.
We didn’t see the whole exhibit (you need reservations), but we’re planning on making it a field trip soon!
“Color is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment.” Claude Monet
Right next to our parking spot was this tiny orange flower. It stood out brightly against my harried and overwhelming afternoon. Ellis suddenly had another stomach episode that had her throwing up in the carseat. Another bout was imminent and parking was congested.
I sighed. A heavy one. In that moment I just told myself that it can all be cleaned up; let’s just not get hospitalized again.
But Elliot was not having it. He was disappointed and grossed out; we were about to go back home instead of picking up his birthday cake and presents. Something from his sister’s side of the backseat touched him and that set off tears. I felt bad for him: torn between disappointment and worry as his sister moaned in pain. Even promising a new toy for Ellis did not get a smile. That means she doesn’t feel well at all.
It was a hectic car ride with two little people: both emotional and both needing different things. Only one me with not enough arms to drive, tap the back of a nauseated child, and hug the other one who felt unloved.
But God refreshes a weary soul with his grace in these moments. As I turned the corner in the busy parking lot, I was amazed to see two side-by-side empty parking spots next to a tree and bush. No other cars vying for those spots either.
All I could mumble was “Really? Where did all the other cars go? Thank you Jesus!” I pulled her out of the carseat just as she was about to hurl. (In case you are worried: it was not on a walkpath. I later covered it with leaves and sticks.)
It was just a parking spot but the timing and the location of it couldn’t have been more perfect. I felt uplifted and grateful that God cares about the struggles that deflate me and answers unsaid prayers.
God is good. Life is not perfect but God journeys with me. I don’t see God but I know His presence is real.
This little orange, right by the throwing up incident, reminded me that God is near and full of grace. Thankful!!
Birthday cake time! All was well later. Still best buds.
