From My Front Porch
Posted: Saturday, November 22, 2008
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Rocking back and forth I look out across the rolling hills that make up our front yard. The land slopes gently down to the catfish pond at the bottom of the hill. Around the pond on three sides are trees of many different kinds-oaks, persimmon, walnut, maple, sassafras, hickory, elm, and dogwood. And wild flowers abound. Not a man-made garden. No winding walks of symmetrically placed stepping stones. No waterfall conceived from a magazine and Home Depot store. Our interference consists of once-a-week mowing throughout the spring and summer.
When we first found these few acres and purchased the farm to build our first house, the cleared area above the pond was over-grown with Johnson grass and fescue. There was nothing in the square mile of fenced area but trees, grass, and over-bearing undergrowth. But through all this, we could see the potential. We could see the beauty that lay just beneath the surface.
As with all things, we must look beyond the surface structure to find the true worth of what we see. I think if we look hard enough, we can see God's hand in all things. Whether it is the beauty of a wild flower, the moist stare of a baby deer, and the sun's glint on the ripples of a placid lake. Even the sad tears on a mother's face as she watches her baby's coffin lowered into the ground. I think God feels her pain and cries with her. Too often we have asked God to stay out of our business, our schools, our government, our lives and as someone once said, being the gentleman that He is, He has done just that'. He only interferes when we ask Him to.
As I sit and watch, a buck with large impressive antlers struts from the shadows of a large oak and stealthily moves out onto the open lawn. Looking left and right he pretends not to notice me rocking slowly back and forth on my porch. But I know he sees me, for we have been here before. He will walk nonchalantly down to the waters edge and drink. Raising his head proudly, he seems to know that he is another of God's magnificent creatures. As he just as quietly disappears into the dappled undergrowth beneath the trees, I smile and rock a little faster.
On my front porch I look around at nature's abundance and thank God for all that He has given me and I pray for everyone that I know and don't know. May all God's children have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving and may our children who are fighting on foreign soil be blessed this Thanksgiving Day.
From my Front Porch to Yours.
Sandra E. Graham, author, Amos Jakey and Nicolina, published by American Book Publishing. Visit my website for more info; http://www.sandragraham-articles-books.com
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More commentsMiss Sandra~ As always, you bring me there with your perfectly chosen words. I can see that Buck standing there and hear the sound of the wind through those magnificent trees. Thanks for the respite! And a VERY Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!Thanks so much, Camille.Sandra
Great ArticleThanks so much, Lambert. And welcome to searchwarp.Sandra
Once a day, we should all stop what we're doing and read an article such as this, reflect for a moment ... then proceed with new reverence for everything.Thanks for reading and commenting, Michael.And welcome to SearchWarp.Sandra
Nice to see that The Creator of all is given honor.Thanks for reading and commenting, B, and welcome to SearchWarp.Sandra
Wow Sandra:What a vivid picture that made me so dreadfully homesick for my youth out on the farm. No artist or man made landscape can compare to the majestic views given us by our God. And if He can do that in a world filled with sorriness and disdain for Him, our minds cannot conceive of eternal glory in His presence.Thanks for sharing this with us. I envy you.Thanks so much, Joel. Don't you just love the country?!Sandra
I too love where I live and am grateful for natural beauty - it lifts my spirits. This is a good reminder for those stuck in an urban home to get out to nature occasionally and refresh.Thank you so much, Cheryl, for reading and commenting. And welcome to SearchWarp.Sandra
Thank you for writing this article. It left me with a happy, peaceful feeling. You provided a very nice visual description and a great message for thanksgiving.Thank you so much, Neeraj. And welcome to SearchWarp.Sandra
Better than "Lake Woebegon," your work perserves the wonder of true Americana, and you too are an American original!!!!!Thanks so much, Walter. I do love the country---trees, grass, all the great outdoors!Sandra
Hi Sandra.Very beautifully expressed. Beyond that, it sounds absolutely lovely where you live. Can I come and live with you? :)DianneThanks so much, Dianne. We have a spare room just waiting for a visitor.Sandra
Sandra, beautiful writing about a beautiful and peaceful place. You are blessed!Thank you so much, Lorrie. It all belongs to God--we're just borrowing it for awhile.Sandra
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