stair step forest

Last fall we discovered one of my new favorite places on planet earth. It's a little county park, just a mile from our house. We had driven by for years (literally) before we finally ventured down the steps. I wrote about how we were there for the first time at the very moment my friend Mama J took her last earthly breath. And then we visited again when the leaves were falling so quickly it was as if we were caught in Times Square on New Years Eve. The leaves were like confetti fall around us.

It was on that visit that I ran into a woman while walking back up the stairs and said to her, "this place is magical." And she asked if I had seen it in the springtime yet. She said that in the spring the floor of the forest is covered in white flowers so that it looks like snow. It doesn't last but a few days, so be sure not to miss it.

Well you can imagine my anticipation all winter long. I can't imagine they stay in bloom for very long and I don't want to miss it. I thought about leaving my number on the sign up front, begging for a phone call when the flowers were blooming, but then I realized I just need to do my own investigating. So on Saturday we went and found lots of green, and just a few blooms. Then tonight (writing this on Wednesday night) we went again and found many more blooms. But I have a feeling the real show will be this weekend. Maybe early next week. And I can't wait.

Until then, I have pulled out my wildflower guide and am now adding wild flowers into the mix of discovery along with song birds. I'm not sure what is happening, but this spring God has my full attention. I am hearing things like I just got new hearing aids. And I am seeing things like I just got my first pair of glasses. The world feels so alive to me, and I'm so grateful for these heightened senses.

Learning wildflower names always reminds me of the time my Grandpa Phil took my cousin Sarah and I out on a hike in the desert when we were in 7th grade. He pointed out every flower and told us each name. And then we came to a patch of white flowers and he looked and said, "I haven't see that one before. I don't know what it is." And Sarah and I looked at each other because we knew...it was someone's popcorn they had spilled. Oh we laughed later. And Grandpa had cataract surgery soon after.

my new happy place

Oh man. I'm trying to figure out what we're going to call this place. It is otherworldly. It is stunning. And in the few weeks since we were there last, the park turned from green to yellow.

Today my sweet niece Ruby joined us, with Auntie Lisa. They are having a special auntie sleepover and included a visit to our place so I could join in the auntie love. Ruby is a great photographer and took pictures the whole time.

As we walked back to the car I tried to capture the snow globe we were walking through, with all little yellow leaves floating down all around us. What am I going to call this happy, heavenly, sunlit place?


fall leaves from Becca Groves on Vimeo.

I want to walk as a child of the Light

We discovered a new hiking trail less than a mile from our house tonight. It was a stunning evening hike, and the kids insisted on leading the way. Rory and I were amazed at how able they each are now. It really is a wonder to watch children become independent, strong and able.

I didn't know at the time, but while we were taking this glorious little hike, my dear friend Mama J passed away after a warrior-like fight with cancer. As we walked down this lush path under a canopy of changing leaves, Mama J was breathing her last.  I am grieved beyond words. At the moment I just feel numb. Strangely that picture above is bringing me great comfort. I love that beam of light pouring down to earth. I believe heaven's glory is more than we can ever fathom. And no matter the darkness or sorrow we experience on our own path, God's light will always fill the darkness. Every time.

I believe that in my heart. Now I have to rest in that promise.

All evening I have had a hymn stuck in my head. The words are ringing like a bell.  Knowing how profoundly Mama J impacted my life, I am left wanting to be sure I shine Christ's light just as bright as she did. No matter how many or how few days I have left of my own. 

***

I want to walk as a child of the light;

I want to follow Jesus.

God set the stars to give light to the world;

The star of my life is Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God;

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God;

I want to look at Jesus.

Clear Son of righteousness, shine on my path,

And show me the way to the Father.

I'm looking for the coming of Christ;

I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race;

We shall know the joy of Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God;

Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

I want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson