A Day in the Park
Recently, my husband suggested we spend a “date day” exploring Spokane’s Riverfront Park area. It didn’t take me long to say “Yes.” I love hanging out with my best friend and husband of over 40 years.
Of course, Ron spent much of his time taking photos, and I enjoyed soaking in the beauty of a lovely spring day. My thoughts turned often to God’s goodness. In today’s post, I’d like to share Ron’s photos as well as some of my thoughts. I hope you’ll enjoy both.
The raging waters reminded me of words from a favorite passage in Isaiah. Verses 43:1b-2a say:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.”
A bit of background graffiti didn’t distract from the beautiful rainbow haloed above water cascading over Spokane Falls.
Loved this photo of the rainbow from a different vantage point.
This rusty old equipment used in “former days” reminded me again of Isaiah 43. I had read verses 18 & 19 a couple days before our “date day,” and they felt especially significant—almost like a promise to me:
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
The next day, a Facebook friend sent the same verse, and this time it felt like confirmation of the promise. I don’t try to figure them out, but I do pay attention to little spiritual nudging such as these.
Especially after watching the tragic news of the devastation in Ukraine, I felt a surge of deep gratitude for my nation as I watched this American flag waving. I never want to take peace and freedom for granted. Micah 6:8 (MSG) reminds me:
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.”
These trees growing in the middle of raging waters reminded me of some favorite verses from Psalm 1.
“Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.”
Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
These bronze statues commemorate runners in the famous Bloomsday Race. One day, I hope I can say the words written by the Apostle Paul:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
In conclusion, as we were leaving the park, we came upon a tree—I have no idea what it is—with the most amazing fuzzy pink blossoms.
May your soul be refreshed during these days of Springtime,
