“If you pass by the color of purple in a field and don’t notice it, God gets real pissed off.” Alice Walker
Yesterday was a cold morning that warmed up nicely into the low 60s. So, a walk in Od Town was in order. I was not the only one there. Here are some images from the day.
I’ve heard of a prayer that goes something like this, “God give me patience and give it to me now.” Waiting can be difficult for many of us. Several come to mind. Standing in a checkout line. Sitting in doctors office. Waiting on a delayed flight at the airport. Meeting someone who is late for coffee. Waiting for the arrival of a new grandchild. Waiting for our tax return. 🙂 Waiting for a freezer of homemade ice cream to finish. Waiting for the pizza to be delivered. Yet, as I grow older I’ve learned to appreciate waiting. I really do enjoy those times of sitting or kneeling in wet grass waiting for the sun to touch the horizon as it rises or sets. Walking the streets waiting for a photo opportunity to present itself. Waiting silently in prayer or mediation. Waiting is a teacher if we let it. Waiting can be a discipline if we let it. Waiting can have special rewards if we let it. As Elizabeth Taylor says, “It is very strange that the years teach us patience – that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.” Are we learning to wait patiently or wanting it now?
A quick post as I head out the door to start a 3-day trip. Not looking forward to this trip as a winter snow storm is moving into the area bringing overnight lows down to 0 degrees and 6-15 inches of snow along the Front Range beginning late this afternoon and continuing through Wednesday evening. This image is from this past week as people enjoyed the warm sunshine in Old Town. It will look different tomorrow. Stay warm!
“Church will always be renewed when our attention shifts from ourselves to those who need our care.” – Henri Nouwen
As I’ve mentioned previously I have a couple of churches I use for quiet time during the weekdays. I’ve seen this lady in the above image several times. On one occasion she had a young girl in a wheelchair with her. At first the sounds the young girl made was disturbing but after a few minutes they no longer bothered me. In fact I was glad she was there. It also helped me realize how good my life is. I have three healthy children and four healthy grandchildren. At the moment I have a daughter and two grandchildren living with me because of poor choices. Yet, this woman has burdens in her life far greater than mine. I do not know her name but I believe Church is not the building she prays in but her willingness to car for her daughter.
One thing I did on this trip I just finished, was take my time. I made no schedule. I took rest breaks while driving and used this time for sight seeing. Strange how we see more when we slow down. The rest stops allowed me to check out several small coffee shops that would catch my attention. There were a couple times I drove around the block just to get back to them. I found this one in Glenwood Springs along Interstate 70 in Colorado. The city is known for its hot springs, fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, biking, Glenwood Caverns and is the turnoff to Aspen ski area. I found the Bluebird Cafe along Grand Avenue. And, with a parking spot in front I had to stop. The man in the photo had the place to himself until I arrived then it was just the two of us for a while. He must have had something on his mind because he stayed in this position for about 45 minutes. Totally lost in his thoughts.