I look for beauty in the midst of chaos.
Real life is messy and unpredictable. It is made up of highs and lows, seasons of peace and growth and seasons of tumult and challenge. It isn’t static or consistent. We can do our best to prepare for the difficult times and to skill-up our abilities to face what comes, but there will always be the ebb and flow of good minutes and bad minutes, of happy hours and sad hours, of smooth weeks and bumpy weeks. We must learn to ride the waves as they come, dear Friend. We can’t live in a place of accomplishment where nothing will ever change again. Let us enjoy the good times, revel in them even, because the chaos will come again … and then it will pass, and we will get back to a good stable place again. The point isn’t to think we are going to “arrive”, the point is to just keep going, to carry on with life.
After yesterday’s torrential downfall, I went out into my gardens. My peonies were drooping under the weight of the rain, petals scattered in the grass. Felt like such a shame. The grass was a vibrant green though, the buds on the rose bushes are getting plump and the sweet peas are climbing ever higher on their trellises. High points, indeed. I cut some of the still-beautiful peonies, plucked a geranium or two and assembled myself a lush bouquet. Just to enjoy. I set it atop the pedestal of an old bird bath and just stood there admiring it. Isn’t it luxurious? A pocket of beauty. Please don’t mind the Fall leaves I didn’t get to – life was a bit hectic back then.
Where do you find those pockets of beauty, Friend? Let me know in the comments section below.
Michael and I will be back at the BEAU Market on Friday, June 23rd. He’s been working on some new charcuterie boards and I have made my signature Peony Jelly, several new salt blends and a Rosé Jelly for you to enjoy! Visit Les Amis du Village Beaurepaire for more info. We hope to see you there.
