Shade is often seen as a hinderance to growth and flourishing. Yet many things do flourish in shade. Shade can be sheltering. Shade can be a respite. Shade can sometimes provide a chiaroscuro effect to showcase a sunlit blossom. So too, can God bring beauty and flourishing in our darker times. Peace be with you, Leigh.
(photo taken at McKee Gardens, Vero Beach, FL)
Face-Plant
I have two versions of this photo: in one the parent looks concerned; in the other the parent appears to smile. The owlet stretching wings and testing the idea of flying was beautiful – then the face-plant. Few things blink like a surprised owl. I could not help but project my own reaction onto the adult owl’s face. Yet the more I looked at the image, the more I related to the owlet. I cannot count how often I have tried to fly, or run, or even just walk only to end up with scrapes and a bruised ego. I wonder: how many face-plants does it take to learn to fly?
Peace be with you! --Leigh
“Puffing up is an illusion that mostly amuses others.”
