On Tuesday when we had a warmer sunny day, I decided to sit on the patio in my favorite lawn chair. Often I get my best gardening ideas while just being still and enjoying the simple things in nature around me. As I was sitting, my attention was drawn to the little playhouse we call Sunshine Cottage. It's a great place to store my supplies and tools. An idea came to move it further back under the orange tree. That seemed like a lot of work, emptying it out and raking the new area. So I disregarded the urge, thinking it best to save my energy. The longer I sat the stronger the message came to MOVE IT. Just move the cottage.
Oh well, the angelic nudge was so strong that I found myself following through. The new space gave way to a fairy ring creating a chain of bricks around the bromeliads and wild lantana already growing in front of the playhouse.
Theo (our grey tabby that adopted us) enjoyed watching me. Afterwards, I moved an old metal lawn chair by the cottage. Under the branches of the orange tree, I could feel the hum of nature. I found my behavior rather odd. I'd deliberately chosen to sit on that hard chair rather than my usual place at the patio in the comfort of the cushy chair. Theo must have thought it was a good idea because he curled up under my chair to rest.
I was enjoying the simplicity of the garden, giving thanks to the nature spirits and the Angel of the Garden for all their help in creating this sacred peaceful place to come and rest. To gather one's thoughts in a bundle and gently lay them aside, opening up to a loving presence in the now, in harmony with the tranquility of the garden.
Suddenly the peacefulness was disturbed. A wind rushed through a tree by the patio and delivered a bushy twig on one of the patio chairs. Moments later, it was followed by a loud crash. An 8 ft. heavy limb had cracked off the old camphor tree we call Balboa. It landed across the arms of my favorite chair!
In that moment as I watched from the safety of where I'd been led to rest, I was so thankful to know that my actions had been guided by the angels. And that I had followed the nudge! I looked up at the sunlight shining through the high branches of the orange tree. Thank you, God, I whispered, that my steps are ordered by you, whether I realize it or not. I didn't react, just quietly observed in gratitude; and to think that these trees had been heavily pruned last month.
This morning when I looked out the window through the grey mist, I thought I saw something unusual. I got out my camera to be sure. It looked like a red flower had bloomed on Balboa. A closer look revealed new life springing up.
Nature is teaching another lesson; that often we go through times of pruning, cutting away what no longer serves us, but new vibrant life is ready to manifest out of the blue.
Enjoy your day with the Angels.
Love and blessings,
Karen
