One of my favorite pastimes is to walk in the nature preserve in the early morning. My primary destination is the deck overlooking the marsh. A kind person has left two wrought-iron chairs there so you can sit and quietly observe the passing stories of the birds and animals around you.
At first glance, you might think that there is not a lot going on. But patience rewards those who wait. One morning when there was a lot of water in the marsh, I saw a beaver making his way back to his den on the other side of the marsh. I don’t know how many beavers live there, but it is a huge den that only seems to get larger every year. They’ve also dammed up part of the stream that feeds the marsh. I suspect they’re not living in this dam as the water recedes when we don’t have rain. The other one is really a mansion in comparison. He didn’t stop to chat with me, but continued on. Too bad. I wonder what that conversation would have been like. Maybe something like Mr. and Mrs. Beaver in Narnia?
Frequently, redwing blackbirds and swallows dominate the activity in the marsh. Today, the redwings seemed to be on vacation and a flock of regular blackbirds and their progeny were scouting back and forth in the marsh and diving into the weeds after something delectable. A house wren came and inspected the dead tree by me, looking for a snack. Another day, a belted kingfisher flew around looking for his meal.
I often sit by this marsh for a half hour, waiting for what the Lord will show me. Another day, a herd of deer went crashing through the marsh water on some sort of mission. Mostly, I could only hear them. But every once in a while, I would see their lovely camel-colored coats flash quickly between the reeds. I’m not sure what lives in the marsh water, so I’m glad I don’t have to join the deer on this passage. The water didn’t seem to slow them down. Clearly, their hooves don’t get stuck in the mud, or they would stay on dry land.
There is such peace in sitting by this marsh. You can let your expectations drop, drink in the birdsong and silence as it soothes your soul. Often the dragonflies are out buzzing around the water and bushes, but today only the fluorescent blue and green damselflies are present. Then, just when I was about to continue up the trail, a green heron flew over the marsh into the trees next to me. I saw him again when I returned for my second stint on the deck. His reddish colored throat gave me his identity. I think many people would quickly become bored with the lack of activity in front of them. But that is precisely why I enjoy this quiet retreat. I know the Lord is going to provide me with at least one treasure for my patience. This skill transfers over into everyday life as well.
In June, most of the wildflowers along the path have bloomed so I don’t often see any. Walking up to the path from the deck, I came eye level upon a lovely stalk of white flowers. It was as tall as I was, so it startled me. I missed it on the way to the decking, probably because I was looking down at the path. It was a cluster of black cohosh plants. The name seems like a misnomer until you know the rhizomes are black, not unlike another woodland plant, bloodroot whose flower is also white. It can grow to eight feet tall. This one was a good five and a half feet off the forest floor. It has a column of lovely starbursts flowers. I stopped to examine it and enjoy the Lord’s creativity.
These are my everyday treasures which the Lord so abundantly provides. Wait for them. You will be rewarded.
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”
Psalm 62:5 NLT
