The other day I awoke to bright sunbeams creeping in through the slats of the blinds which cover the windows in my bedroom. As I went to open them something caught my eye. Sitting atop the eight foot fence, separating our side yard and the neighbor’s adjoining one, were two doves. I believe what intrigued me was their behavior. It was as if I intruded on an affectionate moment of dove courtship. The she dove would make a few movements with her head and hop, ever so slightly, away from her mate. The he dove would then respond with his movements, and hop closer to her. At one point they nuzzled necks, he ruffled some of her feathers, then dance started all over again. This kept up for a few minutes, after which, they flew off.
I love the Spring. With it comes a fresh new outlook. After a trying week, I certainly needed a new outlook on life. As I proceeded to begin the day, I started thinking about these doves, which somehow turned my thoughts to my husband and our days of courtship. We had decided to arrange a lunch date for the afternoon. It had been a few years since we’ve made time for ourselves in this manner, and with the weather becoming nice, Mike thought it would be a great deviation from my overwhelming week.
After dropping Mary off at school, I headed to our appointed destination. I almost felt guilty leaving my needy father at home. It’s rare that I have time to myself anymore and being alone in the car felt liberating. There is something peaceful about driving in silence. Usually I have the radio on, but I chose to roll down the window and allow the 70 degree temps to envelope me while listening to the hum of the road noise.
Mike and I rendezvoused for lunch. Afterward, we decided to walk over to a nearby park tucked in between some quaint little shops and a section of newer homes. We rounded the shops and stood at the top of the hill. My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat at the beauty that appeared before us. Never having visited this spot, I was taken back by the lovely rose garden, which was the park’s focal point. There were little winding pathways providing a way for admirers to drench themselves in the beauty of these delicate pink, purple and white blooms leading to a big white gazebo in its center. To one side was a huge fountain with wrought iron benches, inviting passersby to sit and drink in the magnificence of this place.
My first thought was that I wish I could paint, as this scene would have made an ethereal subject for a work of art on canvas. My second thought was that I felt as though I were transported back in time. I almost expected to see men dressed in tails and top hats and women in bustled dresses, holding parasols, meandering through the winding pathways. With my gentleman’s hand wrapped around mine, we strolled in and around the fragrant bouquet as the warmth of the sun beat down upon us. Passing a couple lying on a blanket, enjoying their own escape brought back memories of the Springtime of our marriage. During that first year together as husband and wife, I would pack a wicker picnic basket and we would meet daily for lunch at a local park. With a blanket spread under a huge tree up on a hill, Mike and I would take turns reading to one another. I can still remember the thrill I felt each day anticipating our meeting.
We brought our stroll to an end and settled into one of the wrought iron benches in front of the fountain. Laughing, talking and joking like two young lovers; it was here that I realized how much I’ve missed being in the presence of beauty, and how much it excites and gives energy to every part of me. That old cliché came to mind, “Stop and smell the roses.” How much wisdom lies in this little saying. Our lives become so full of the ugly, gray, day in, and day out happenings that we don’t realize how much our bodies and our minds yearn for that which is pure beauty. Eyes can easily get clouded by the injustice, violence, and vulgarity that seems to bombard our senses. They forget that they are also the windows to those exquisite things which spark a feeling of elation.
On the drive back to the banal duties of my life, I contemplated how those few hours put a hop in my step and a twinkle in my eye. It reminded me that we all need this kind of life-giving force; whether it’s an aging parent who also needs to be energized by a bit of beauty, or a relationship that’s been put on the back burner in order to care of them. I’ve resolved to dust off the wicker basket and plan more lunches with my sweetheart in our new little paradise. In addition, I’ve decided to share this spectacular place with friends who are also in need of a bit of beauty. What a gift I had been given that day… a look at Spring in all it’s glory… the hope of joy after the dormant, dark of winter.
With Passion and Purpose 