Surprises

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)



Some surprises are happy surprises. Like the buds I discovered on a geranium that had been through so many stink bug attacks I didn't think it would ever bloom again.





Or finding eight apple dumplings in a container that I thought only had four in it. These are the kind of surprises that bring smiles to your face and are easy to give thanks for.



But then there are other surprises that are not happy surprises at all. Like the two below, which I don't think require an explanation. It's a lot harder to find something to be thankful for when I go out on my balcony and discover the birds have been at it again. Suggestions welcome.
 

Which will it be?

In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
(Job 12:10)


A couple of weeks ago, this hardy little plant growing out of a crack in the road caught my eye.

It's across from our dumpster, so whenever I take out my trash, I check to see how it's doing.



Our property manager saw me taking pictures of it, and came over to tell me it was just a weed that needed to be pulled out.  The landscapers would get rid of it next time they stopped by.




They came the next day, and my heart sank as I watched them unload their truck, and heard the familiar roar of mowers and weed wackers starting up.














This morning as I walked to the dumpster, camera in hand, I wondered what I would see. Would it be a scene entitled Cut Down in its Prime, or would it be a Saved by a Miracle one?

By God's grace, it was the latter. Maybe its buds will get a chance to bloom?

Out and About

Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music

to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with 

clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes 

grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the 

cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

(Psalm 147:7-9)



After a few tentative hops in and out of the nest, and much flapping of wings, the fledglings are now out and about.

Spring Colors - 2019

For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 
The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing
has come, And the voice of the turtledove is heard in 
our land. -- (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)