The title of my post is a quote from L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables and it reflects my mindset going forward.
So much bad news lately – the Coronavirus and its heartbreaking consequences, the stock market plunge, and the day to day updates on new limitations within my community. It can be difficult to stay focused and remain positive. In fact, some days it can be almost unbearable if I think too much about everything – such as the impact it is having not only on a personal level, but in my community, our nation, and in our world.
How about you? Are you choosing to spend this time complaining, criticizing our authorities, or trembling in fear? Or are you allowing yourself to find gratitude, purpose and even some beauty during this trial? I am choosing the latter.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” – Nelson Mandela
This past Friday M. and I walked around Gibbs Gardens. The facility has done a wonderful job with the whole social distancing and made sure things were handled with much care and caution. M. and I went pretty early so not many people were there plus the grounds are so vast (220 acres of gardens space) we hardly saw anyone. Look at these beautiful tulips along the path,
the azalea’s are just starting to bloom throughout the garden, and
one of the peaceful streams.
I found these lovely spots, this place, to be soothing to my soul.
No matter what your are facing right now please know I am praying for you, for our country and for our world. Pope Francis, during his address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm, concluded with the following:
“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (Mk. 4:40) “Dear brothers and sisters….I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord…May God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort to our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: “Do not be afraid” (Mt28:5).”
Savoring Sixty and Beyond 
I’m one of those people who don’t mind the solitude and self-isolation (although I have my guy to keep me company – and my writing pen and books). But walking outside every day is a necessity to keep the gloom away. I don’t criticize – what help does that do? I think we humans need to “be there” for each other in all kinds of kind ways. Stay well!
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Love these photos!
I promised to tell you where you could get my book when it became available again, it’s now on my site as a complimentary read in
https://teawithjennifer.blog/my-book-nook/
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Oh, thank you!! I will definitely check it out. Blessings to you as well!
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what a lovely day! That must have been time well spent.
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It really was a very nice day!
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Thanks for the lovely photos. Like you, I go outside and spend quiet time by the lake. We haven’t got the tulips yet but crocus, hyacinth, daffodils are showing off their beauty. #senisal
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Thanks for taking a look! Spring is my second favorite season!
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Like you, we’re taking solace in nature, in our walks, and in our family via social media.
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Sending wishes for continued good health for you, your wife and family.
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Thanks for this. I have Pinned Gibbs Garden for a future road trip. What a wonderful way to enjoy being outside. Take care!
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It is so lovely at this time of year with everything coming back to life! I hope you are able to visit it sometime.
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Lovely photos, makes the morning so much brighter.
These times remind me of long ago, slower times. The world was much slower. What you had was appreciated more.
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Thanks for reading! Perhaps this slower is actually a blessing in disguise. It has definitely been a time of reflection for me.
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Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. God is definitely still in control, and we need not be afraid.
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Thanks for reading! Amen to your comment.
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Beautiful photos. We are just a little behind you in blooming but not much. We can walk in our parks as long as we don’t congregate for games (baseball, tennis, etc.). So far people are listening. It’s eerie in it’s own way, yet so quiet and peaceful.
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I agree, it is a little eerie, but I actually like the less hustle and bustle for a change.
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Your photos are beautiful. They’ve closed the arboretum near us and maybe other scenic places, as well. We have our own view of the mountains, though. So far we don’t have to shut all our drapes to keep out the virus.
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Thanks! It felt so good to walk around that lovely place.
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