Yesterday dawned cool and beautiful with the air cleansed by Tuesday night's rain. I met Betsy at the opposite end of Radnor from where we traditionally meet. Why did it take us so many years to figure out that beginning there is much more convenient for her? I do not know. Thank you, Dele, for your thoughtfulness and consideration. Wish I had thought of that. But, I rest assured that Betsy loves my inconsiderate, thoughtless self anyway. It is just a touch of the unconditional love found in Eden.
I arrived early. The sun was breaking through the dense foliage. As the breeze blew, moisture fell from the upper leaves to the lower making it sound like gentle rainfall. It is a sound that I know and love. I felt enveloped by the primordial quietness. It was a needed respite. My mind turned to Eden, and I wondered at the familiarity of my surroundings.
My sister always says when she sees a cardinal that it is our dad's spirit passing by to check on us. Making sure we are doing well would be his top priority. I really hope he's just resting in peace, not worrying about us, but I always think of him when I see a cardinal. A family of cardinals were enjoying the early morning calm as well, flitting from branch to branch, calling out to one another. I imagined the perfection of life in Eden, and found myself longing for similar tranquility.
Betsy arrived. Dele was not able to join us. She had obligations that needed filling, and that did not include an early morning gathering of friends. I love walking with Betsy. She appreciates every deer she sees. She lives in gratitude for the blessing of this land that is being preserved. We do not take for granted our good fortune to be alive and well and able to enjoy this hint of Eden. We have the added bonus of enjoying it together.
Betsy mentioned hoping to see turtles. Big slider turtles live here. They sun themselves on logs, usually near the shore, and when they grow weary of sunning, they slide themselves into the water. Often, we will see many turtles sharing a log. Yesterday, we were early. The sun had not reached its zenith. The turtles were hiding, except for one; one optomistic, seemingly magical turtle far from the shore. I am certain he had no idea of the entertainment he afforded us. I thought of Eden where all nature lived in delight and harmony.
So, it was a morning in Eden. Life in Eden, as God intended it to be; enjoying nature, enjoying friendship. In this, this 21st century that often does not present itself peacefully, I found blessed rest in the company of God, nature, and a beloved friend.
blessings
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