"Ours is a forgiving and gracious God, slow to anger, filled with love and faithfulness." ~ Exodus 34:6
Paula walked through New York’s
Central Park on a perfect summer day, her dog Annie in tow. She immediately spotted a man drawing a
hopscotch court in colored chalk on a sidewalk while a little girl waited
anxiously for the chance to hop and skip.
A beaked chorus sang as playful as the birds themselves. Clouds seemed locked to an endless, cocktail-blue
sky. She removed her sandals and strolled the
downy-soft grass of Sheep Meadow, inhaling the sweet scent of purity; feeling
free and alive. Kids played kites flew,
hardbodies sunbathed.
Further down the path, an elderly couple walked
hand-in-hand. The sat close on a
familiar wooden bench absorbing the sun’s gracious warmth, just watching the
passersby. Everyone seemed so busy.
Paula spotted a man juggling several types of sink plungers. A woman jogged bye pushing a stroller with twin Shih Tzus. An exuberant wedding party hurried toward Gapstow Bridge as onlookers furiously snapped pictures on their phones.
They passed an ornamental pond,
best known for its model boats. A soft
breeze sent dozens of toy sailboats scampering across its water. Further out, weekend mariners in rented
rowboats tried not to collide. Not far away,
the statue of Alice in Wonderland’s formed a climbing gym for adoring small kids.
A local Gondolier picked up passengers at Bethesda Garden. He seemed to enjoy his job. Who wouldn’t?
Many celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, even an occasional marriage
proposal.
Two young brothers leaned over
the edge of Bethesda Fountain, gazing into the water and trying to remove coins
with a stick. Their laughter radiated
outward, similar to ripples from a skipping stone; playing as if every drop of
daylight were sacred.
Today’s final stop took Paula and
Annie to Strawberry Fields, a quiet place shaded by elm trees with benches for
visitors to relax, reflect and “imagine.” A small but ardent collection of fans gathered
there to play guitars, sing and remember the rock star now dead as long as he
lived.
Spoiler alert! Paula was not in Central Park today. It’s another wet, sunless day in
Michigan. Frankly, she hadn’t yet gotten
up from bed yet.
But she’d seen all the things
she described and will see them again and many more. For God is good and there will always be
brighter, drier, better days ahead. Until
that next flawless summer day arrives, she’ll live and dream God’s blessings in
her mind and praise Him for the goodness that will surely come.
Lord, thank you for Your amazing power and work in our lives. Thank You for your goodness and for Your
blessings over us. Thank You that for
bringing us hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for Your
purpose. Amen
