In the Middle of the Mess

I'm fairly certain that this is the pair of robins who have nested under our eves by the side door.  One is looking for worms under the wood platform, and the other is perched above, maybe keeping watch.  Is it odd that I am finding so much joy in the idea that these expectant parents feel safe in the little space I've arranged by the fence?

The other thing I notice is the yellow flowers -- buttercups I believe -- also finding a place to be nurtured back here.  There's more, growing up along the kitchen window side as well, all bright and serendipitous.

If I pan out a bit, here's another little discovery.

The bush generously hanging over the fence of the neighbour's yard and covering my small rock garden is a honeysuckle.  A fully grown, abundantly flowering honeysuckle.  

And the reason that's important is that I left a brand new, teeny attempt of a honeysuckle back at the other house; something I'd planted on purpose about three years ago, knowing it would be a long time before it flowered well.  And, in that small and silly way we miss these sort of things, I was missing it.  Until, here I am, without any effort of my own, enjoying the work of someone else who has nurtured this for obviously a long time.  Just there, hanging over my little back space.

And under the honeysuckle are lilies of the valley.  (I LOVE lilies of the valley because of Mrs, Atcheson...but that's another story.)

And this same kind of 'coincidental' beauty is sort of happening all around me, even in the midst of the bigger mess that is our yard awaiting its redemption.

Construction, while constructive can also wreck havoc.  We've got some work to do for sure.  And there are plans.  There are plans.

But in the meantime...

...what sweet and unexpected gifts are given.  Without my doing.  

Barely without my knowing.  

Did I mention how much I also love lilacs?  So that's buttercups, honeysuckle, lilacs, bleeding hearts, and lily of the valley.  And forest friends.  And sunrises.

Did you ever notice how the whole big story starts in a garden and ends in a city with an extraordinary garden?  Genesis to Revelation, check it out.  In the middle it's a big mess.  Redemption is coming.  And meanwhile, all this.  Sweet joys, safe spaces, unexpected gifts.  

It's wonderful to begin Monday with some sunshine and some renewed health and strength.  Last week of May.  How did that happen?  Still working 'carefully,' but there's a lot of fun stuff on the list, so I'll have to watch myself.  

Happy Monday all.  

Hope you discover your little gifts along the way.