Mysteries in the Meadow

The familiar songs of evening crickets began to sound. As mother and daughter skipped down the path from the lake, they heard the heartbeat of the waves hitting the warm Simcoe shore at a distance.

It had been a full, happy day of playing in the water, challenging each sandbar, and conversing with the fish who brushed gently over the children’s legs as they swam. Mom decided to steal a few moments alone with her little girl before the sun said goodnight.

Down the familiar cottage road, they stopped to watch a snapping turtle make its way safely across the path.

"No need to rush, big guy. We will watch out for you until you pass by safely," Mom said.

The little girl imagined what the turtle’s home was like and how his evening routine would unfold.

"You could write about what you imagine the snapping turtle’s life is like,” Mom suggested.

She was always full of great ideas, teaching her daughter to pause, observe, and see the Creator’s hand in every meadow, forest and garden they passed by.

They strolled through a grassy clearing and approached a cluster of majestic paper birch trees. Mom reached over and carefully pulled off the bark from one of them.

"There’s paper in this tree," she said.

The little girl’s eyes widened in wonder. What an excellent mystery, she thought. The bark was beautiful—harsh on the outside to protect the tree and silky smooth on the inside.

"This parchment is for you to tell stories," Mom said. "Just imagine what wonderful things you can write about. The Creator has hidden mysteries in every leaf and branch—yours to uncover."

The daughter was daydreaming when the smell of the BBQ from Grandma and Grandpa’s cottage found its way to them, calling the little girl back to this world.

As mother and daughter returned to the cottage, the little girl dragged her feet along the dirt road. Pondering—she now held a great secret that only a few would be privy to.

She ran her thumbs across the waxy parchment. She held her prize, hugging it to her chest.

"We will have great adventures together," she whispered.

She stopped, turned around for a moment, and smiled gratefully at the tree, thanking God for such a precious gift.

Prayer of Affirmation

Lord, Your wonders are written all around me, every creature, every moment a glimpse of your wisdom (Psalm 104:24)

You are near, as close as the wind is against my cheek, as certain the waves meeting the shore (Psalm 139:7-10). Teach me to see the beauty in what you unfold; to trust the mysteries You place before me. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I hold this moment as sacred— I’m listening. Lead me in Your truth, for You are the Author of my story and I long to write the words You have placed within me (Psalm 45:1).

Amen.