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| Walking in the woods with Bay |
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This fall has been exceptionally beautiful here in southern Maryland. It settled in abruptly, but lingered for quite some time. There are still leaves in full color clinging to the trees as the last days of fall give way to the chilly winter winds.
This is Bay's first fall and he has really enjoyed it. With the underbrush gone, he can see a great distance through the woods. While that is interesting, what is really exciting is that Bay can see the squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks at a distance. He is convinced he can catch them, so when he sees one he runs after it with all the energy he has in him. The squirrels are the ones he has the most fun with. There are plenty of them in our woods, too. During our recent walk, Bay spied three squirrels chasing each other through the woods making a lot of noise in the newly fallen leaves. He darted from my side and disappeared over the side of the ridge. As I continued on my walk, I heard him barking. It took me a few minutes to catch up to him, but what I saw made me laugh so hard it made my sides hurt.
Bay was standing in the middle of a group of trees. The three squirrels were about ten feet up the trees jumping in circles around poor ole Bay. They were just high enough that he knew he had no chance to reach them and low enough to tease him. I was sure the three squirrels were doing it on purpose just to get a reaction from him. The reaction was hilarious as Bay stood there turning in circles and barking. As my laughter continued, the squirrels became a little too nervous with my presence and scurried off through the trees.
Bay and I continued our walk through the woods on down to the creek. The creek is high because of the recent rains we have had. I had to walk on the side of the ridge to keep from getting soaked. The beavers have been hard at work, I could tell. There were two new beaver dams since the last time Bay and I were down here.
I soaked in the beautiful colors. The mixture of reds, oranges, golds, yellows, browns, and the evergreens was absolutely beautiful. I thought about the chemical process that causes the leaves to change color. The chemicals that cause the bright colors we see in the fall are always there in the leaves. They are simply overpowered by the green. However, when the change in weather takes place, the process that creates the green stops and the true colors of the leaves are shown.
Bay and I headed back to the house. We had to climb the ridge which was quite steep. He makes it with no problem, but I have to stop at the top and regain my breath. The strength is still there, but the wind isn't. While I am leaning against a big oak tree catching my breath I think about how the leaves are a lot like we are. We go through life doing what is needed to survive day after day. People see us as we are in that day to day activity. Somewhere along the way, though, a change happens. We turn our struggle over to Jesus. That is when our true colors come out. The colors we were always meant to show. No longer do we blend in with everything around us, but now we stand out and are truly brilliant with color.
3:10 I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith. 3:11 He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
 I think about how the scripture tells us that God makes everything beautiful in its time. Such are the leaves of southern Maryland, and such are the souls of man. Each one of us hidden in our sin, our struggles, yet God reaches in and makes us beautiful in our time.
I like the thought. I smile and say a prayer of thanks. Once again my walks with Bay have shown me a picture of God that is one I had missed for many years. I look down at Bay. he looks up at me with eyes that are saying it is time to move on. We head back down the dirt road toward the house. I continue to soak in the colors and reflect on the beauty of my God and His creation.
A man, his dog, and his God. |
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Kathy |
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November 23, 2007 at 9:34am |
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| God has planted so many lessons in nature! We have had an exceptionally beautiful Fall here in NC also. I don't walk through the woods, but I watch them and listen to them from my back screened in porch, and I gape in awe as I drive by breathtaking scenes one after another. Daily I have marvelled at the lingering vibrant colors. Very soon, though, they will give way to the stark beauty of winter. |
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Fall is my favorite season; just while the leaves are still on the trees..they are gone here. Beautiful pics, and a nice story of your life. I always think, when I look at the leaves, that there is beauty in dying; dying to self, that is. Thanks for this. You write well, and express yourself well. P.S. Good thing the beavers weren't at my parent's! They'd be dead now (like the one that was damming their pond...redneck neighbors and shotguns can come in handy). Bless ya! |
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| Just beautiful, thanks for sharing.. |
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Gene |
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November 23, 2007 at 12:09pm |
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DC, you just gave me several new reasons why I like the fall.
Peace! |
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| Beautiful!!!! Wonderful!!!! |
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Kathy, I am going to have to walk through this winter and see if I can see the beauty in it. Where we live it is muddy, wet, and brown most of the winter. However, the times when we get snow, it is pretty awesome.
Lara, someday I want to travel to your area to see the beauty there. I have been to Maine and was amazed at the natural beauty there. These beavers here are safe since the creek they are on is protected property.
Giving, Yahschild...you are welcome.
Gene, with each year the seasons get better, I think.
Restore, if ittouched your heart, it makes mine happy. TGBTG!!
Arlene, that is really funny about the squirrels. Should be interesting to see how they continue to tease Bay.
Thanks to all for your comments. I really appreciate your thoughts. |
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Joey |
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November 23, 2007 at 5:39pm |
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You gave me a gift. I do love Bay |
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| My kinfolk are from Houlton, actually. My grandpa; dad's dad. Born and raised...then moved to NB. You and your family ever make it down our way, you got a place to crash...we got the room! Ain't being a Christian grand? Family everywhere! |
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| Appreciate the invite Lara, but there are five of us...six wtih Bay... |
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| Dexter is about 9 years old but even after 9 ears squirrels know how t drive him nuts. They are comical. A man a dog and his God. when you get those published I'll be lookin forward to ordering them from Jacob's well of course. |
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| Thanks Dave. We were out on the beach this morning. Cold and windy. We actually had ice on some of the puddles here this morning! Didn't slow Bay down, though. We drove into town afterwards, stopped at one of those Fast Stops or Quick Marts or whatever they are called. I bought a nice tall cup of coffee - very good this morning - and Bay bought himself three of those smoked sausages. We both are nice and warm now. I think he is settling in for a nap... |
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