Wingstem waltzes at woodland edge,
Gilt buckeye leaves tumble and twirl.
Creation sighs a cool breeze of relief
As summer wanes and fall approaches.
Squirrels scamper over tree-branch highways,
A hummingbird breakfasts on day lilies,
Mums turn round faces to bask in the sun–
A bustle of activity, but not a sound.
Much is accomplished in the quiet.
Trees stretch skyward, adding rings of growth,
Dew crystals bring moisture to petal and leaf,
Butterflies pollinate flower after flower.
God orchestrates harmony, even in stillness,
But not for self-flattering fanfare.
His efforts provide undeniable evidence
Of who he is—proof of his glory.
Note his artistry on sunset dahlias,
His genius in the strength of spider silk,
His wisdom in the female finch’s cloak,
His faithfulness in the circle of seasons.
God also desires to work within us,
Applying his artistry, genius, and wisdom—
Fostering change, fulfilling purpose—
Quietly, faithfully, day by day.
Within the silence of God’s holy presence,
We find strength and serenity of soul.
All we need do is accept his welcome
Into the quiet discovery of HIM.
(Romans 1:20; Psalm 104:24; Job 12:7-10; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 28:7, 29: 11, & 46:10.)
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2).
From the Inside Out 
Nancy!!! This IS GORGEOUS. Thank you so much for this beautiful piece, photos and words — exactly what I needed this morning after yesterday’s debacle in Washington and the pain being splashed across the internet today. Oh, we need echoes, reminders, nudges about the beauty that always is, the beauty God leaves behind for us to cover ourselves with when things in life get ugly.
Oh, Diana, thank you so much for your encouragement! My writers’ group gave me valuable feedback that helped me tweak this free verse into its current version. They deserve credit too! It pleases me greatly that God used these words to minister to you, at a time when stressful events on the national scene weigh heavy on everyone.
Hi Nancy,
These pros really define your blog. You see nature as God’s visual megaphone to mankind.
Thank you,
Gary
I DO see the touch of God everywhere in creation, and the wonder becomes worship when I take time to truly observe. Thank you for stopping by so faithfully, Gary, and leaving your supportive comments!
That is our Christian and blogger family duty.
wow, this is beautiful. Breathtaking. Publishable! You are an amazing writer
Thank you, Jean, for your gracious words. As I mentioned to Diana, above, my writers’ group deserves credit, too, for their helpful input. And, of course, praise God for his inspiration throughout the process!
Lovely prose, Nancy. The Lord has blessed you with a real talent; a wonderful ability to appeal to the senses visually and spiritually from your own heart.
Thank you, Cheri. I greatly appreciate your encouragement!
and now my cup runneth over a-fresh, thanks to your gift for expressing God’s beauty. Thank you, friend.
What a privilege for me to participate in the overflow of your blessing cup. (You often do that for me, you know!) You are welcome, Laurie!