Weavings is a monthly reflection that is the collective effort of the Wheaton Franciscan Covenant Companions and Sisters to provide spiritual nourishment that helps us feel God’s presence in daily living and invite an openness to God.
The Pond
by John Kelsey, Covenant Companion
This place brings us joy.
Our dog Connor sniffs, tracks, and plays hunter of beasts great and small, real and imagined. When spent he finds the shade, rolls, and lets the grass cool him.
The water is fresh, and host to Mallard and American Black duck, Canada goose, heron, egret, and muskrat. Bass and bluegills thrive here too.
The wind can be gusty, steady-as-she-goes, a passing zephyr.… or so still that bird calls, waterfowl arrivals and takeoffs, and leaping fish are the only sounds.
Most seasons there is color all around, and grass grown tall for the wildlife. In winter, especially over frozen water and snow cover, the quiet usually prevails.
These times are gifts from our loving Creator. So, we are joyful.
John,
Where is this pond?
I am happy for you, Ida and Connor.
Thank you for sharing. I experienced joy reading your words!
Charlotte,
Thank you for your response to my words/photos. I am happy to have shared this joy with you. The pond is in our neighborhood in North Aurora, two blocks north of our house. It was skillfully designed and built, and is beautifully maintained by our Fox Valley Park District. Connor and I take many routes on our walks, but this place is a favorite.
Peace be with you.
John
Thanks for sharing Connor’s story and connecting it to our own! Just being in nature can renew our spirits and open our hearts. What a great sharing!
Bea,
I thought I had replied to your “thank you”, but maybe only in my mind. Your comments encourage me to see even more of God’s presence in His creation.
Thanks to you!
John
Lovely, John. Isn’t it great to go a-pond-ering?
Thank you, Fran. Yes, each walk gives us a renewed leash on life!
John