There are several posts I intend to write today. They all may or may not happen. First is this one, a beautiful and peaceful invitation into rest and reflection. The second will reflect on Rebekah’s message from Sunday – the 3rd of her “Last Ten” sermons. Then I have the perfunctory but always popular Month in Review photo set.

The Church Garden:

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” Jesus – Luke 12:27-28

Sunday morning was overcast and cool, with a drizzling rain; or, as I say, “It’s a little British out there today!” Most people don’t think of photography under such circumstances, but the opposite is true. The colors, especially in a rose garden, come alive when there is no harsh light and deep shadow.

So I grabbed my good camera and – between services – I walked through two of the church gardens: the Rose Garden and then the quiet, wilder flower collection behind Rebekah’s office.

I have offered this invitation before: Come to the church garden. Walk around the campus in a contemplative frame of spirit. Pray your way between flowers. Let the beauty and the peace sink in; steep in it.

If you are not living in the Wake Forest area, find a local garden you can walk in to pray. Let God wash over you; let love fill you; let it spill over and out.

Peace, hope, grace, and promise – DEREK

Rest on each one of these images for at least 10 seconds…