Patricia sent the Spiritual Journey bloggers (all are welcome) her topic for September: “Life at the speed of grace.” This topic is fitting for me as I have been forced to slow down to a full stop because of illness. I have moved beyond why and into acceptance. Each day in September I am posting a photo on Instagram of #Septemberbeauty.
I’ve never thought of September as a beautiful month. It’s still hot. The school year is usually moving along quickly after Labor Day. But when I stop, when I look, notice nature and my immediate surroundings, I can see beauty.
Hummingbirds come in September. Since I’m home, I can sit for a while and watch them frolic. Yesterday, the male and female at my feeder mated right before my eyes. It was like a hummingbird tornado, how they twirled in a fury dance. Then flew off in separate ways.
Patricia wrote a small poem here. I’m borrowing a line to do a quick write of my own.
Grace is Here
Grace abides here–
a hummingbird mating dance
a flutter of evening owl.Grace fills me–
supermarket flowers
a friend tells a story.Grace heals me–
words in a poetic card
light from the window.Grace meets me
Margaret Simon, draft
in this lonely space
God listens.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I believe that our bodies telling us to slow down is another grace from God reminding us that we need to heal ourselves before we can do for others. Your poem beautifully illustrates that God’s grace is always with us.
Thanks. Sometimes the dark places are hard and we are blind to the grace. I’m happy to be emerging from there into more light. Thanks for reading.
Margaret: Wonderful poem of grace. Today I watered my garden and found 3 big green tomatoes that I had overlooked! Little things can be so encouraging. I’m glad you are moving into the light, and I wish you a flutter of joy and a speedy recovery.
Margaret, your poem is an evolving one since grace surround you even in a lonely space. God is with you as you heal under the rays of His Grace. May you continue to be the light that shines for us on Instagram with your #Septemberbeauty. I am heading to your account right now.
I’m noticing my Instagram isn’t posting here. I’ll check on that. Thanks for your continued prayers.
I am encouraged to know you are accepting and finding beauty. I find this difficult sometimes. I’m wishing you lots of beautiful moments this month.
I find having the intention helps in the finding, noticing. I am doing better every day. I’m encouraged.
Your poem “Grace is Here” is absolutely lovely. Good to hear that you’re recovering and finding beauty daily with your #Septemberbeauty. Wishing you continued energy and healing every single day.
Margaret, I could spend all day, every day, watching the birds, learning in awe. The hummingbirds here have ramped up so much that I’ve added another feeder. Every line of your lovely poem speaks to the wonders of grace all around us…and how God comes to meet us.
Grace is one of those things we have to stop and notice and acknowledge; otherwise, it seems nonexistent. I’m sorry your illness has slowed you down, but how wonderfully you’ve taken advantage of the gift of stillness and noticing. Thanks for sharing your moments of nature!