Near the park a block or so
from our house, it stands – a golden tree,
its black spine and branches posing a stark contrast to the bright blue sky,
the shimmering yellow cascade.
Walking to pick-up my children
from school one day, I pass under and look up – Glory! and down to the blanket
of orange and yellow, covering the sidewalk.
I wade through with the stroller splitting the sea like Moses and when I
pass by on the way home, four kids in tow, I tell them, “Wait until you see,
the place with The Most Leaves.”
They’re doubtful, teasing,
until they see it.
Then the older two are off and
running and the twins slip out of the double stroller like two slippery fish
returning to the sea. Soon they’re all
splashing and diving, throwing up handfuls, gathering piles with rakes
improvised from sticks.
And I am standing there,
wishing for a camera to capture it all.
But these leaves are grace,
spread deep over the sidewalk and curb, laying light on the ground, like manna. I resist the urge to gather up more than can be stored and instead join in on
the fun, the beauty, surrendering to the ocean of grace at our feet, the shimmering gold of the grace-filled present.
This post is linked with Five Minute Friday on the prompt “grace.” Click over to read more posts.
Kelly, your words are lovely. I adore fall and the beauty of the leave's true colors. What a blessing to your children to make such memories with them . . . Keep writing!
Natalie Snapp
http://www.nataliesnapp.com
Thanks, Natalie!
A beautiful post, Kelly! I love the rich way you have described and depicted this scene of golden glory. It made me smile as I recalled "surrendering to the ocean of grace at our feet" myself in the past. Lovely imagery of family fun laced with manna from on high. Thank you for the wonderful way your words have fallen. Blessings 🙂 x
Thanks, Joy.
I love the picture- just one more reminder of God's beautiful creation!!
Yes, Boni. Thanks for commenting 🙂
I love that, I et caught up in those moments too where nature and my children intermingle. It is a blessing! Have a great weekend.
Yes, a blessing, indeed! Thanks for commenting Tamika.
Thanks for the reminder of that child like ability to surrender to the moment & leap into the pile of leaves. Kind of like stomping through mud puddles.
Kelly! BEST 5 MINUTE POST EVER. This is gorgeous, friend. Do you have any clue how gifted you are? Don't let the discouragements of this season in your life overwhelm you too much, because believe me – your writing is just sprouting wings right now. Holey moley. (And I love your new banner picture!!!)
Thanks Diana, five minute Friday is such a blessing to me:) there's a good dose of freedom in it. And thanks for you kind writing praise. I'm writing less often now, but always grateful for the way it deepens my awareness of life.